Shepherd Express - June 2023

Outdoor Dining Guide illustration by Tim Czerniakowski. Summer Arts Guide illustration by Ali Bachmann. Pride photo by Marc Bruxelle/Getty Images.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Louis Fortis (ext. 3802)

GENERAL MANAGER: Kevin Gardner (ext. 3825)

MANAGING EDITOR: David Luhrssen (ext. 3804)

BUSINESS MANAGER: Peggy (ext. 3832)

ASSISTANT TO THE BUSINESS MANAGER: Tanya Bielinski (ext. 3808)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Bridgette Ard (ext. 3811)

Julee Mitchell (ext. 3831)

Petra Seymore (ext. 3828)

Tyler R. Klein (ext. 3815)

SALES MANAGER: Jackie Butzler (ext. 3814)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Chuck Hill (ext. 3822)

IN MEMORY OF DUSTI FERGUSON (OCTOBER 18, 1971 – NOVEMBER 20, 2007)

WEBMASTER: Barry Houlehen (ext. 3807)

DIGTAL STRATEGIST: Allen Halas (ext. 3803)

STAFF WRITER & CIRCULATION COORDINATOR: Blaine Schultz (ext. 3813)

INTERN: Sabrina Rosler

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Milwaukee Confronts Climate Change

Milwaukee Confronts Climate Change

BY STEVE WATROUS

The world is getting hotter and Wisconsin weather more extreme. Global carbon emissions are the main culprit. Climate change is too hot to handle for some but in Milwaukee, government, non-profits, citizens and some businesses are working hard to bend the temperature curve.

The recent surge of federal funding is enabling units of government, builders, advocates and citizens to do more and better on advancing rooftop solar, electric vehicles and charging stations, and too many worthwhile projects to cover in one article.

“We’re in trouble and we have to be serious about stopping the emissions from the fossil fuel industry, which is the biggest contributor to the problem,” says Julie Enslow, one of the facilitators of 350.org MKE. The long-time Milwaukee peace activist helped start the group 10 years ago and one activity is protesting outside big banks on Fridays.

It's a national campaign to tell banks to stop funding destructive projects like pipelines and fracking. The largest funder in the world is Chase Bank, she says, with a convenient branch at corner of Water and Wisconsin.

Why “350”? That's parts per million (ppm) of CO2 in the atmosphere, Enslow explained, the limit “to sustain life on earth as we know it.” Our earth now has 420 ppm and rising, so groups like 350.org urgently advocate both upward, to those with wealth and power but reluctant to change, and to the public, such as with fliers and conversations as pedestrians pass the bank.

ROOM FOR OPTIMISM

Erick Shambarger sees room for optimism. He’s the City of Milwaukee environmental sustainability director, heading the Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO). “The City of Milwaukee, including Mayor Johnson and the Common Council, is taking climate change seriously,” he says. “We are working very hard to put Milwaukee in a good position to capitalize on the Federal opportunity, the primary funding source, for our climate equity plan.”

That federal money came from the American Rescue Plan Act (2021) with much more coming from the Inflation Reduction Act (2022). The IRA rules are not finished so it is not yet known how much will come to Milwaukee. Some funds will go to ECOs “Ten Big Ideas.” Among them, by 2025, the city aims to have 25% of its electricity generated from renewable sources.

Besides big ideas, ECO can help homeowners do their bit against climate change with the Milwaukee Energy Efficiency Program (ME2) and “Grow Solar.” And for your electric vehicle, ECO promotes public charging systems. According to PlugShare, Milwaukee County has some 75 locations to juice up, although showing nothing at the We Energies coal plant in Oak Creek. Hmmm.

Photo by Kerry Geck/Getty Images.

Shambarger helped lead the City-County Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity, formed in 2019, comprising public officials and activists, and making serious recommendations.

One task force member, Pam Fendt, president of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, noted that lots of EV charging stations are coming with IRA money, including enough to drive a circle tour of Lake Michigan. She found the diversity and "mutual education" useful and is disappointed that the Task Force will not continue.

CREATING NEW JOBS

Part of the “Equity,” as Fendt sees it, is that “we can’t leave workers in the dust” during the transition of a green economy. The union movement is training apprentices, and some worked alongside Laborers and Electricians union members to build the Paris Solar Farm, the second largest in Wisconsin, in Kenosha County. She also likes Green Homeowners United, a small and all-union contractor helping low and moderate-income homeowners retrofit their houses.

Wisconsin has many environmental collaborations including a new one, announced on March 29 by Gov. Tony Evers, the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin. It includes the Walnut Way Conservation Corp., the Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter, and 10 more.

Perhaps they can help move some of the state surplus funds to its Focus on Energy, a program beloved by environmentalists but resisted by Republicans in the legislature, according to Don Ferber, co-chair of the Sierra Club chapter.

The Walnut Way, a Milwaukee group headed by Executive Director Antonio Butts, had a collaboration called ME Energies with Wisconsin Citizen Action, North Side Rising and the Sierra Club to challenge We Energies’ rate structure as it impacts poor neighborhoods. Despite Butts’ heartfelt testimony to the state Public Service Commission, WE raised the rates.

WE Energies’ coal plant in Oak Creek is the largest point source of greenhouse gases in Milwaukee County and every

group concerned with climate change has ideas for how WE should move faster and do better. WE plans to switch that plant from coal to natural gas, a step in the right direction according to Tom Content, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, an advocacy group.

However, says Content, this puts off the need for more renewable energy plants. Federal tax credits for solar and energy storage are already in effect, he adds, although the utilities restrict how you do that rooftop solar.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Montré Moore chairs the Wisconsin NAACP Environmental Justice Committee and is a member of yet another collaboration, the Wisconsin Climate Table, a network of 33 organizations pushing for equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

“We’re working to reduce carbon emissions and to bring awareness to environmental justice,” he says. “I want everyone to have access to information such as, ‘What are the energy rebates?’ I want to make sure that federal environmental money gets to underserved communities, to black and brown neighborhoods.”

Moore is working with the Governor’s Office of Sustainability to ensure that Evers’ clean energy plan comes to fruition. “The planet is getting hotter and there will be climate migration to Wisconsin because of Lake Michigan water. We have to be ready for that.”

Will all this activity stop climate change? No, but it is making a difference. According to Environmental Protection Agency 1990-2020 data, total gross greenhouse gases peaked in Wisconsin in 2005, and the 2020 total was the lowest since 1990. Ditto for the electric power industry. For the transportation sector, CO2 peaked in 2004, and the 2020 total was the lowest since 1993. Wisconsin is doing something right.

Steve Watrous represented the United Nations Association of the USA at the 2023 Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt; he is president of the Milwaukee chapter of the association.

Photo by Kerry Geck/Getty Images.

Cleaning Up Our Corrupt Courts Has Just Begun

BY JOEL MCNALLY

It took Wisconsin a decade and a half to win elections with reform candidates to rid itself of a corrupt rightwing state supreme court. On Aug. 1, the state will once again have a supreme court upholding the law and protecting constitutional rights.

But it’s going to take a lot longer to clean up the corruption of the U.S. Supreme Court by rightwing billionaires who have been rewarding rightwing Republican justices with hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts for decades.

The forces behind the extreme rightwing takeover of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2008 and the U.S. Supreme Court’s Trump supermajority in 2020 were exactly the same.

Wealthy Republican donors provided the big bucks and Leonard Leo, the chair of the rightwing Federalist Society, screened judicial candidates and appointees willing to roll back civil rights era laws protecting the constitutional rights of every American regardless of race or gender.

SHAMELESSLY CORRUPT

Those forces were at work in Wisconsin in 2008 when Michael Gableman, a shamelessly corrupt rightwing judge, won a narrow victory over African American Justice Louis Butler by running vile, racist TV ads fraudulently claiming as a public defender Butler freed a child rapist. It never happened. The Wisconsin Judicial Commission charged Gableman with judicial misconduct for his brazen lies.

ONE REASON FOR THE RECORD VOTER TURNOUT THIS YEAR TO RESTORE JUDICIAL INTEGRITY TO THE WISCONSIN SUPREME COURT WAS PUBLIC OUTRAGE OVER THE TOTAL LACK OF JUDICIAL INTEGRITY DISPLAYED BY THE TRUMPED-UP SUPERMAJORITY ON THE US SUPREME COURT.

What happened next shows how quickly courts can go bad. Gableman’s election created a new rightwing court majority that refused to punish him for his unethical campaign. Even worse, the new court adopted a brand-new code of ethics proposed by Gableman of all people. It sounds like a joke because it was. The ethics-free ethics code allowed justices to sit on cases benefiting their wealthy donors who contributed millions of dollars to their elections without recusing themselves.

One of first cases before the reformed court in August will be a challenge to the old court’s decade and a half of dishonest gerrymandering that magically creates two-thirds Republican majorities in the legislature even when Wisconsinites cast more votes for Democrats than Republicans.

RECORD VOTER TURNOUT

One reason for the record voter turnout this year to restore judicial integrity to the Wisconsin Supreme Court was public outrage over the total lack of judicial integrity displayed by the Trumped-Up supermajority on the US Supreme Court.

The attention the court drew with its decision wiping out a half century of constitutional rights for women to make decisions about their own lives was just the beginning. That’s been followed by a flood of revelations about Supreme Court justices and their families receiving mind-boggling sums of money, luxurious vacations on private jets and luxurious yachts and lucrative real estate deals that seem unreal. Every day is Christmas when you’re a Supreme Court justice with Republican friends.

MANY OF THE SCANDALS INVOLVE CLARENCE THOMAS, THE LONGEST SERVING RADICAL, RIGHTWING JUSTICE. IT WAS AN INSULT TO AFRICAN AMERICANS WHEN PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH APPOINTED HIM TO REPLACE JUSTICE THURGOOD MARSHALL. FOR THREE DECADES THOMAS, THE ONLY BLACK JUSTICE, VOTED WITH THE FAR RIGHT TO ROLL BACK CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRESS IN AMERICA.

Many of the scandals involve Clarence Thomas, the longest serving radical, rightwing justice. It was an insult to African Americans when President George H.W. Bush appointed him to replace Justice Thurgood Marshall. For three decades Thomas, the only Black justice, voted with the far right to roll back civil rights progress in America.

Now there appears to be very little Clarence and Ginni Thomas need to pay for in their personal lives. A billionaire friend Harlan Crow hosts their annual vacations valued up to a half-million dollars aboard private jets and luxurious yachts. Crow tossed in several hundred thousand more to pay private school tuition for their grandnephew they’re raising as a son. Crow bought and expanded Clarence’s mother’s house where she now lives rent-free.

Thomas hasn’t reported those enormous gifts as required by law. Many illegal payments to Ginni Thomas related to her husband’s work may never be known. That old court corruptor Leonard Leo advised Republicans a decade ago to hide payments made to Supreme Court justices. Leo sent a memo to Trump’s communications assistant Kellyanne Conway telling her to bill a friendly nonprofit group to pay Ginni “another 25K,” emphasizing records should show “No mention of Ginni, of course.”

Of course. We wouldn’t want anyone to think Supreme Court justices and their families were receiving payoffs for destroying our constitutional rights. Somehow Chief Justice John Roberts gets away with refusing to appear before Congress to discuss creating a code of ethics for the nation’s highest court. It’s the only federal court that doesn’t have one.

It’s not just other justices Roberts is protecting. There’s also Jane Roberts, John’s wife, who was paid more than $10 million dollars in commissions as a legal recruiter for elite law firms practicing before the Supreme Court after he became chief justice.

Roberts has no problem with his court’s destruction of constitutional rights. He voted with them to abolish abortion. Roberts wrote equally appalling decisions supporting corrupt partisan gerrymandering and gutting the voting rights act.

But Roberts wishes Thomas and Justice Alito wouldn’t make the court’s destruction of democracy sound so scary. It’s going to give his court a bad reputation.

Joel McNally was a critic and columnist for the Milwaukee Journal for 27 years. He has written the weekly Taking Liberties column for the Shepherd Express since 1996.

BY WILLIAM HOLAHAN

The Social Security system, the Federal government’s most popular program, was designed in the 1930s to insure against old age poverty, or as President Roosevelt said, “... the hazards and vicissitudes of life.” Now the program foresees financial vicissitudes of its own. In its latest annual report, the Social Security Administration warns that one of the program’s key sources of revenue—sale of bonds from the Social Security Trust Fund to the Treasury—will run out of bonds in 2032.

This has led to banner headlines about the system going broke and false analogies to business insolvency. To Senator Ron Johnson, this report proves that “Social Security is a Ponzi scheme” and its pending “insolvency” is just another example of “democrat (sic) socialist programs bankrupting the country.”

Before the problems facing Social Security can be understood and before remedies can be formulated, this Trust Fund must be better understood.

FOLLOW THE MONEY

As designed in 1935, the chief source of revenue for Social Security is a designated “contribution”—the payroll tax on earned income. This financing system was to be “pay-asyou-go”: workers would pay this tax to finance the Social Security benefits of retirees, expecting that when they retire younger workers would do the same for them. FDR wanted it that way “... so as to give the contributors a legal, moral, and political right to collect their pensions ... no damn politician can ever scrap my social security program.”

FOLLOW THE BONDS

The system’s designers recognized that recessions and expansions in the economy might interfere with steady payments. They established a small trust fund with the limited role of balancing scheduled benefits with payroll tax revenue. During years of economic expansion, the payroll tax would generate a surplus of cash—more than required to meet scheduled benefits—and years of economic recession posed the danger that the payroll tax would not generate enough cash. The Trust Fund was designed to smooth this pattern: surplus cash would be used to buy special-issue Treasury bonds while shortfalls would be offset by sales of bonds back to the Treasury in exchange for needed cash. So, the buying and selling of those bonds back-and-forth between Social Security and the Treasury would serve as a stabilizing factor so that scheduled benefits would be paid in full and on time.

THEN CAME THE BOOMERS

Of course, the plan implemented in 1935 did not account for a post-World War II baby boom of 77 million people born between 1946 and 1964, followed by an 18-year baby bust of 47 million people (known as Generation X). This boom-and-bust pattern of birth rates predetermined a financial strain on workers when the baby boomers began to collect retirement benefits financed by the much smaller number of workers.

In 1985, to ease that predictable strain on future workers, President Reagan raised the payroll tax rate on earnings while boomers still had roughly 30 years of work-life left. This forced boomers to save part of their own future retirement benefits in addition to their obligation to support retirees from preceding generations. This hike in the payroll tax rate would create an annual revenue surplus during the boomers’ remaining work-lives, cash to be invested in special issue treasury bonds.

Later, during the boomer retirement years the system would sell enough bonds back to Treasury in exchange for sufficient cash added to the payroll tax revenue to meet scheduled benefit payments. Consequently, the payroll tax rate paid by workers would be lower than if the tax were the sole source of revenue. For example, in a typical year during the decade of the 2030s the scheduled cash from bond sales was projected to pay for about 25% of the scheduled retiree benefits while the payroll tax paid by workers would pay the other 75%.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENT: CASH WAS TO BE INVESTED

The cash sent back to the Treasury was not intended to pile up in a vault but instead to be put to work by adding to investment in the economic growth of the country. For example, the cash could be used to invest in pro-growth productive assets, particularly infrastructure, which includes public physical assets like streets, roads, bridges, harbors, airports, school buildings other public buildings, rights of way for utilities. Based on the best computer projections of the time, which factored in such investment and growth, the payroll tax rates were adjusted so that the trust fund bonds would run out in 2060, long after the boomer retirement bulge had worked its way through the system.

But events intervened to divert cash from investment. These diversions included cuts in general taxes; increased defense costs due to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars; the multi-trillion-dollar response to the economic downturn of 2008-09

and the multi-trillion dollar response to the pandemic–induced economic downturn of 2020. As a result, economic growth was slower than projected. In turn, the payroll tax revenue was less than anticipated, which required the Social Security Administration to cash in bonds faster than anticipated to meet scheduled benefits. Consequently, instead of running out in 2060 when all but a few boomers will be gone, the bonds are now projected to run out in 2032 when over half of the boomers will still be very much alive and collecting retirement benefits.

Without the cash from bond sales, the currently projected payroll tax revenue will pay for only about 75% of scheduled benefits; but it is doubtful that the voters will accept a 25% cut in benefits. Tax revenue from outside the system will be required to maintain full benefits. That does not mean that the Social Security System is insolvent, i.e., without resources to draw upon to pay its bills. Social Security is no more insolvent than the Defense Department or anything else the voter-taxpayers wish to continue.

Bill Holahan is emeritus professor and former chair of economics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. An earlier version of this article was posted on Econ4Voters at grassrootsnorthshore.com.

Pamela Ritger de la Rosa Leads Milwaukee to an Equitable, Sustainable Future

BY ERIN BLOODGOOD

Milwaukee’s recently released Climate and Equity Plan is one of the first of its kind—a roadmap to achieve net zero emissions that prioritizes equitable solutions. This plan was four years in the making, led by the Milwaukee City-County Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity comprised of government officials, community members, and volunteers.

Pamela Ritger de la Rosa has been a core member of the Task Force since the beginning, leading both the Green Buildings and the Adaptation and Climate Resilience Working Groups. She is now the environmental sustainability program manager for Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office and reflects on what it takes to build an equitable, climate resilient city.

Ritger de la Rosa grew up in Milwaukee but worked in other cities on immigration law and environmental policy prior to returning to her home city. “I wanted to come back to my hometown to make it better for the community I care about,” she said.

Her passion for environmental work is rooted in an understanding of human rights violations and oppression. During her Latin American studies at her university, she learned about the familiar story of governments and large corporations extracting natural resources at the expense of Indigenous and underrepresented communities – a story that resonates here in the United States.

IMPACT ON FAMILIES

She has always seen human rights as a central piece to climate work and recognizes that connecting our environment to people’s health is critical if we want to make this an equitable and inclusive movement. “The priority for a lot of people is what’s happening to their families,” she said.

Most importantly, studies have shown the climate crisis does not impact our city’s residents equally. In 2021, Milwaukee was the fourth-worst asthma capital in the country due to causes such as air pollution. Black neighborhoods have the highest asthma rates. Additionally, lead poisoning continues to plague communities, especially Black children and children of color. The data doesn’t lie – child lead poisoning, asthma rates, and other environmental harm is significantly higher among communities of color.

The Task Force that built Milwaukee’s Climate and Equity Plan has made sure to include solutions that will directly address the harm done to these communities. One example is a program for low-income residents that both improves the energy efficiency of their homes and removes the risks of lead. “If you look at maps, the highest levels of lead poisoning are also those with the highest energy burden in their household,” says Ritger de la Rosa. “This protects kids while reducing their monthly energy bills.”

This is one of many solutions outlined in the plan, and only the starting effort needed to move our city to net zero emis-

Photo by Erin Bloodgood.

sions by 2050. But Ritger de la Rosa says that involving the community in the planning process was one of the most vital pieces to establishing an equitable plan.

“First and foremost, we must involve more people from underserved communities in conversations… and get their feedback about the barriers people face when it comes to taking advantage of available programs,” she said. “To see people so committed to advancing environmental sustainability and making our city more efficient gives me hope.”

As the work of the Task Force is coming to a close, residents are working to get the city’s plan approved by the common council. To join the email list and get regular updates, email ourfuturemilwaukee@gmail.com.

“I think Milwaukee does great, but I think we can do more, and we can demand more. We have a responsibility to provide more and better service to our residents,” said Ritger de la Rosa.

Learn more about Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office at city.milwaukee.gov/eco.

Erin Bloodgood is a Milwaukee photographer and storyteller. See more of her work on her website at www.bloodgoodfoto.com.

‘Buy a Home, Build a Community’

ACTS HOUSING BRINGS HOME OWNERSHIP TO THE

DISADVANTAGED

BY TOM JENZ

If you were to drive the streets of the central city, you would observe many neighborhoods with several boarded up or vacant houses, the landscaping unattended. You might see For Rent or No Trespassing signs. The city owns some of these homes. Others are privately owned.

The nonprofit Acts Housing makes it possible for disadvantaged families to become homeowners. Acts Lending offers buyer and rehab loans for these families who have been locked out of the traditional mortgage market and are purchasing distressed homes. They might have issues with credit, savings, finances or even language barriers.

I met Dorothy York, vice president of real estate, at Acts Housing’s headquarters in the St. Michael Catholic Church Rectory building on 24th Street in the central city. Through her peaceful affable manner, she spoke about the Acts Housing mission with understated pride.

Let’s start with your background— your parents, neighborhoods, schools you attended. Then, take me through your advanced education and how you ended up at Acts Housing.

I feel like everything I’ve learned and done in my career prepared me for my job at Acts Housing. To help this organization move forward and do our good work, it took someone with a varied background like mine. I grew up in Milwaukee in the Harambee neighborhood on 1st Street near Clark. There were eight kids in my family, and Mom was a homemaker. Dad worked

at the Foundry. Ours was a good safe neighborhood. The kids walked to the public schools, and the families got along. I graduated from West Division High School in 1976.

When you were at West Division High, did you have a career goal in mind?

Not really. I didn’t expect to go to college. Out of high school, I took waitress jobs, and then I heard about doing computer work. I enrolled in Milwaukee Area Technical College and earned a one-year degree in computer operations. I was able to get a job at Blue Cross Blue Shield. Eventually, I ended up taking a job at Johnson Controls as a computer operator. I worked at Johnson Controls for 22 years. The company had tuition reimbursement for further education. I went back to MATC and earned my associate degree and became a computer programmer and later a systems analyst. This tuition benefit also enabled me to earn my bachelor’s degree in business management and communications from Alverno College, and then my masters degree in finance from Concordia University.

And eventually you moved from computers into the business field, I believe.

Yes. I shifted career paths to human resources and into the Six Sigma program where you learn how to use statistics to make procedures more efficient. Along the way, I worked for different companies. Eventually, I got a real estate broker license. All those job experiences led me to ACTS Housing. I started here in 2017.

Can you give me a short history of ACTS Housing?

Acts Housing started in 1995 as a grassroots organization in St. Michael’s Church basement located right across our parking lot on 24th Street. Father Dennis and John Worm started the program. At that time, they were helping disadvantaged people get into some of the vacant houses in the area neighborhoods. Some philanthropists and foundations invested, and Acts Housing grew from there as a nonprofit. Through the years, our funding has come from philanthropists, individuals and foundations.

You are the vice president of Acts Housing Real Estate. Describe the responsibilities of your job. I oversee the real estate work, and I manage our five real estate agents and our real estate brokerage. But the biggest part of my job is to oversee the Home Acquisition Fund. I hire and train the staff and set up our systems and workflow so that we can purchase houses and do repairs, then make them available for families to purchase.

From what I’ve read, Acts Housing offers residents homebuyer and financial coaching, lending and real estate services, and home rehab coaching. How do you go about that?

At Acts Housing, we have all the different segments that go into buying a home. If you as a homebuyer are interested in purchasing a home, you start with an Acts homebuyer coach who evaluates your financial situation, credit report, bank statement, spending habits, and the process of buying

Photo by Tom Jenz.

a home. The homebuyer coach gets you from where you are now to what you need to do in order buy a house. Through the process, you work on a plan and keep checking in with us.

I would guess that many families who want to buy a home are struggling financially and may not qualify for the normal home loan. Some families have a very wide gap in terms of getting a loan. For those folks, we have PowerPacks monthly meetings with other potential homeowners and a home buying coach who are working on improving their credit and financial situation. When people are ready to buy a home, we help them submit applications to various lenders to get pre-approval, whether with Acts Lending or with a bank. The qualifier is that Acts Lending only makes loans on a property in need of repair. Because Acts Lending doesn’t rely as much on credit scores, the process may be faster.

How does the home buying process proceed?

The next step is that the family gets paired with a second Acts coach who will guide them in working with contractors. We are a one-stop shop, although the potential homeowner has the option of working with our realtors or with an outside real estate agency. In the last two or three years, we have assisted more than 300 families to purchase and/or rehab homes in Milwaukee.

You have recently launched this new Homeowner Acquisition Fund to purchase Milwaukee homes and resell them at affordable prices to city residents. In 2023, Acts Housing plans to purchase at least 100 homes and sell them to mainly Black and Latino families. For this to happen, you will need to raise $11 million. Can you elaborate on your rather ambitious plan?

In Milwaukee, we used to have a high level of home ownership. In 2005, it was 80%, but it has dropped to 69% in 2020. Out of state investors now own 23% of homes in the city, and they rent them out. That tends to create a permanent rental class of people and does not help improve neighborhoods.

This is the reason we established our Homeowner Acquisition Fund program, which focuses on buying existing houses in need of repair. Our Fund was spawned out of the Community Development Alliance, a collaboration of every group in the city who is into housing. The Housing Acquisition Fund is one part of the Alliance. We started this program in the fall of 2022, and so far, we’ve hired three new employees, purchased five houses, and raised $7 million of the goal of $11 million.

Once Acts Housing buys a home that needs work, do you hire the contractor to do the rehab?

We have a project manager and rehab manager on staff who go out and scope the house for what needs to be improved.

When the house is rehabbed and ready for sale, do you go through the normal sales process in finding a buyer?

As an example, we just finished a house on 18th and Highland. First, we see if we have families in the pipeline looking for a home. An eligible family must have gone through our homebuyer education program, namely homebuyer coaching. It’s important that potential buyers know what it takes to maintain and keep a home. We won’t put a house on the open market unless there is nobody in our homebuyer pipeline.

Is there an area of the city where you focus your resources? Black and Latino neighborhoods, for example?

We are open to buying houses in the entire city, but we do focus on central city neighborhoods and on Black and Latino families who have traditionally been left out of home ownership.

As you indicated, large outof-state investors are buying properties and renting out the houses. Here is a quotation I found from you from last summer: “We have lost 12% of our homeowners since the economic downturn of 2008. We are losing 1,000 homeowners a year because of owner-occupied properties being sold to investors who are turning

them into rentals. The big picture is actually increasing the number of people owning homes in the city of Milwaukee.”

That’s exactly why we are jumping into home buying in order to compete with the out of state investors. The difference is that we are investing in houses to make them affordable for home ownership, and not to create rentals.

I understand that Acts Housing has a 30-person team. Are they all salaried employees?

Correct, we have 30 employees, but that does not include our independent contractors. Acts Housing has been around for 26 years, continually growing the number of families we’ve helped get into home ownership. And this helps the city because we purchase and rehab houses that otherwise would get boarded up and become a drag on the neighborhood.

If you own a home, you have pride. If a neighborhood is full of homeowners, they look out for one another, take care of their landscaping, their kids play together, and there is an overall pride in the community. It’s kind of sad what’s happened to the central city in the past couple generations because of a large number of vacant homes or the neglect of the rental houses. You are right. Our model is “Buy a house. Build a community.” We have some wonderful stories of people who end up buying a house and take pride in keeping it up. When you work here at Acts Housing, you hear stories of what it means for families to own a home, and you really don’t want to work anywhere else. It’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.

Tom Jenz writes Central City Stories for shepherdexpress.com.

Moonlight Tavern

DESTINATION DINING RETURNS TO THE HISTORIC PORT HOTEL

BY SUSAN HARPT GRIMES

For generations the Port Hotel in Port Washington was one of the premier locations for fine dining and fancy brunches in Ozaukee County. Over time the menu and decor had become outdated, and the restaurant closed in 2017. In late 2021, local restaurateur Angel Tello and architect Jim Read took up the challenge to renovate the historic inn and restaurant to modern tastes.

The newly dubbed Moonlight Tavern bar and restaurant opened in Fall of 2022, the name being a nod to the Moonlight, an 1856 tall ship that used to visit the port. While there are still some phases of the remodeling to occur, like adding an elevator that would lead to a planned rooftop dining space, the new improvements include a strong nautical theme which feel entirely appropriate considering Port Washington’s history. Like its predecessor, the Moonlight Tavern’s dining room has cozy nooks and small rooms that branch off of the larger room, but most of the old stuffy decor of the past has been replaced with crisp white walls and comfortable wood dining tables and chairs. The bar room has also received some noteworthy decor upgrades, including a beautiful old boat suspended from the ceiling and renovated outdoor patio.

On a recent visit, service was quick, friendly, and very attentive. The Moonlight Tavern appears dedicated to sourcing high-quality local ingredients whenever possible and providing the freshest seafood and meat available.

Begin your meal with some goat cheese curds ($14) from La Claire Cheesery, served lightly breaded with a tasty elderberry aioli. If you are feeling nostalgic for the old days, you could go for the original Aunt Bernice Port Hotel chicken liver pate ($14), served with crackers and crostini and every bit as decadent as you’d imagine. Fans of French onion soup won’t want to skip Moonlight Tavern’s rich and delicious version (cup $3, crock $5), appropriately smothered with melted cheese ($1.50).

If you are visiting for lunch or just not looking for a big dinner, there are several salads ($16-$25) and sandwiches ($15-

$24) available. Try the lobster roll ($24) featuring an Oostburg Bakery brioche roll stuffed full of fresh, buttery lobster claw meat, lightly dressed with a mayo-based sauce, and served with a zippy cole slaw and fries. The Over the Moon Burger ($15) is also quite good, featuring a Hickory Road Farm 1/3 pound beef patty topped with smoked Gouda, bacon, sweet-candied onion and an outstanding Worcestershire aioli, served with fries.

Dinners at Moonlight Tavern recall the heyday of supper clubs, but with some nice modern additions. Standouts include an excellent blackened snapper ($40), perfectly seasoned and served on a bed of quick dirty rice, with wilted spinach, roasted tomato, cippolini onions, and topped with a lemon butter sauce. The filet mignon ($36) is also a winner, featuring a perfectly cooked grilled 6-ounce filet, served with a blend of mushrooms, flavorful au jus, and a choice of potato which includes a lovely cauliflower mash option. Weekly specials like prime rib Wednesdays and Sundays ($26-$40), and a well-received Friday fish fry ($15-$20) will likely bring in the crowds as the word gets out.

It is a pleasure to see this historic building return to serving the purpose it was built for. Over time I’d expect that the Moonlight Tavern will become as popular as the Port Hotel restaurant in its heyday, as they are off to a promising start already.

Susan Harpt Grimes is a veteran Milwaukee writer and a longtime Shepherd Express contributor.

Photos courtesy of Moonlight Tavern.

CORN CHIP MIGAS CORN CHIP MIGAS

BY ARI LEVAUX

Migas is a crumby dish. Literally. The word means “crumbs” in Spanish. It’s also an Iberian recipe that was once popular with hunters and mountain people in the south of Spain and Portugal, from where it made its way to Mexico and Texas, made differently wherever it took hold. Migas is a method as much as a recipe, a way to use stale bread, and later, old tortillas.

In the original European version of migas, breadcrumbs were fried in olive oil with garlic and parsley, peppers, tomatoes and chorizo, and served with eggs on top. In Mesoamerica, stale tortillas made of corn and flour replaced bread, but the idea remained the same.

When I first tried corn chip migas, I realized that I would never have to worry about the dregs of a bag of corn chips again. What a relief!

And you don’t have to wait until the bag is nearly gone to make migas. There’s no law against whole chip migas. When made with unbroken corn triangles, the dish can be almost nacho-esque.

There are as many ways to cook migas as there are people who want to eat them, and no real wrong way to make them. Some like the chips dry and crunchy, while others like them soft, so they blend seamlessly with the eggs. Some like meat and veggies with their migas, while others like them simple.

But few would dispute that migas goes extraordinarily well with salsa. And, for those who indulge, a cup of coffee on the side.

My version of migas includes bacon, garlic and cheese. Sometimes I add potatoes, either cooked or in potato chip form. I have also added Terra brand baked vegetable chips, which is quite the colorful mix, alongside my yellow, white or blue corn chips, all crusted with egg that’s puffy and browned.

If you want your migas crunchy, your best course of action is to first fry the tortilla crumbs on medium heat on a dry pan until they are crunchy again. Then add the oil and eggs to the hot pan and quickly scramble it all.

I like my chips soft, so I add them early, letting them sit in the egg mixture before I even cook the bacon. After the bacon is crispy, I pull the chips from the bowl of egg mix, like making French toast, and add them to the baconed, buttered or oiled pan. And then I “fream” them.

To fream is fry and steam at the same time, with the lid on and moisture in the pan. This creates heat and pressure, which cooks food more quickly and all over, rather than from below. So you don’t burn the bottom while you try to cook the top. Heavy lids are best for freaming, as they create the most pressure by trapping the steam. Glass is nice because you can monitor moisture levels without letting the steam escape.

But that’s just me. At the end of the day—or more likely the beginning – we are making scrambled eggs with corn chips. Whether freamed or fried, it’s just not that complicated. The details are negotiable.

Photo by Ari LeVaux.

Corn Chip Migas Corn Chip Migas

In this one-pan breakfast comfort food, egg and tortilla chips combine for a savory casserole. I’ll explain how to make both crispy migas and soft migas. Whichever you prefer, you will never look at a near-empty bag of chips the same way.

1 serving

• 2 large eggs

• 4 tablespoons milk

• salt and pepper

• 2 tablespoons oil or a strip of bacon

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ cup parsley, chopped

• Corn chips

• Other chips, such as potato chips or vegetable chips

• Salsa or hot sauce

• Coffee

Beat the eggs in a medium-sized bowl. Add the milk, shakes of salt and pepper, and beat again. For soft migas, add your chips to the beaten egg right now and stir them around to make sure all the chips get coated.

If using bacon, chop a slice crosswise into little rectangles a ½ inch by a bacon width.

Heat the oil or bacon on medium in a heavy bottomed pan with a tight-fitting lid, preferably a heavy glass lid with no vent hole on top like some lids have. Add the bacon. Let it start to cook. When it’s almost done, add the parsley and garlic. Stir frequently to avoid burning. For crispy migas, add the chips to the oil now and cook an additional five minutes on medium, stirring to prevent burning.

Add the eggs—along with any chips that might be soaking— to the hot pan, tilting the pan to spread it around evenly. Sprinkle the cheese on top.

Put the lid on the pan, and fream. You shouldn’t have to add any water, as the milk adds plenty of liquid. Peek if you need to; it should be steamy under the lid. When you smell it start to brown, you know it’s almost done. Take a peek to confirm it’s cooked on top, and then turn off the heat.

How much to cook eggs is a personal thing. If you want the eggs extra dry, give them a stir, put the lid back on, and let it sit for five minutes. For moist eggs, serve immediately.

Serve the migas with salsa and hot coffee.

Ari LeVaux has written about food for The Atlantic Online, Outside Online and Alternet.

Two of the Best Values in the World of Wine

BY GAETANO MARANGELLI

It wasn’t because I didn’t like the wine. I did. It was because I didn’t think the drinkers and diners at that fancy restaurant—a representative sampling of the drinkers and diners of any city in North America—would like it as much as I do.

I added two quality bottlings of the wine to that list because any serious wine list should include at least one or two of them. Both of the bottlings I added were made by one of the best estates in the wine’s region. I expected the restaurant’s drinkers and diners to order the wines because of their affordability. I didn’t expect those drinkers and diners to fall head over heels in love with them.

This, my dear fellow worshippers in the cult of Dionysus, is a story about Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie. An old-world name for an old world wine. “But what,” you ask me, “do all of the parts of its appellation mean?”

Muscadet is the principle name of the wine, which is made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape in the Nantais, the wine subregion in the far west of the

FRANCE

Loire Valley. The majority of Muscadet vineyards are south of the Loire River’s mouth at the Atlantic Ocean. The best Muscadet vineyards are in the Sèvre et Maine, which is south and east of the city of Nantes. Lie is French for lees, the dead yeast cells which gather at the bottom of a tank or cask after a wine has completed fermenting. Sur Lie means the wine is aged on its lees, a practice which adds body and flavor to the wine.

A quality Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie offers aromas and flavors of meadow hay and Anjou pear. Its acidity, minerality and salinity are bracing, but its texture is creamy and yeasty. Its character bares its proximity to the

Atlantic Ocean and the Loire River. Its body is light. Its alcohol is low. It isn’t fruity. It isn’t sweet. It is the epitomical dry white wine.

The two quality bottlings of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie I added to my wine list at that fancy restaurant are both made by Domaine de la Pépière. The first is called La Pépie. The second is Clos des Briords Cuvée Vieilles Vignes. La Pépie is a classic of the style, and Domaine de la Pépière cultivates its vineyards organically. A bottle of the wine costs less than $20. Clos des Briords Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is made from the estate’s oldest vineyards, which Domaine de la Pépière cultivates biodynamically. The bedrock of its vineyard is Granite de Chateau Thébaud. Because of the fissures in this kind of granite, the roots of the vineyard penetrate deeply into the bedrock. This benefits the character and quality of the wine. A bottle of it costs less than $25. Both of these two bottings from Domaine de la Pépière represent two of the best wine values I know of.

What lesson did the drinkers and diners at that fancy restaurant teach me? That Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie is right for all kinds of occasions, all kinds of palates and all kinds of people. I serve it with light hors’d'oeuvres at cocktail parties. I serve it with primi piatti at dinner parties. And I always — always, always, always — have a bottle of it in my refrigerator through the months of summer.

Gaetano Marangelli is a sommelier and playwright. He was the managing director of a wine import and distribution company in New York and beverage director for restaurants and retailers in New York and Chicago before moving to Wauwatosa.

I didn’t expect it would affect people so powerfully.

Photo by BZH22/Getty Images.

THE LOIRE VALLEY

MUSCADET DE SÈVRE-ET-MAINE

The 2023 Shepherd Express LGBTQ+ Progress Awards

BY PAUL MASTERSON

The roster of recipients of the 2023 Shepherd

LGBTQ Progress Awards represents a broad spectrum of exceptional talents applied with unrelenting dedication and long-term commitment. Their brief biographies cannot convey the depth and breadth of their immeasurable impact on the LGBTQ community. The arts, media and education, health, political advocacy and philanthropy each has its individual awardee. However, it is the cumulative effect of these varied categories, united in common cause, that has achieved progress towards equality for the greater LGBTQ community.

ARTS & CULTURE: SANDY LEWIS

LGBTQ arts is as much a political expression as entertainment. As such, they contribute to LGBTQ progress. Born into a Vaudeville family, Sandy Lewis has always made the stage her home. Her first foray into the realm of LGBTQ arts came decades ago when she became involved with an LGBTQ theater group and Fest City Singers (FCS). Notably, in the early 1980s she performed as the mascot for the Milwaukee AIDS Project (MAP, later AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin), a fundraising role that entailed an outlandish costume and blue and yellow painted face. Over the following decades she appeared in numerous LGBTQ dedicated theatrical productions, performing in plays, cabarets and musicals at Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, Off the Wall Theatre, and the Boulevard Theatre. She often sang at the AIDS Walk with FCS, and, for over two decades, as half of the duo Side by Side with lesbian singersongwriter-cabarettiste Diane Bloom.

BUSINESS: HAMBURGER MARY'S

When twin brothers Ashley and Brandon Wright launched Milwaukee’s Hamburger Mary’s in 2011, they located the latest branch of the popular gay-themed restaurant chain in a cramped, abandoned restaurant on South Kinnickinnic Avenue in Bay View. Its opening party featuring the drag punk band, The Joans, would portend great things to come. The latest addition to the Milwaukee bar and restaurant scene, it soon became a popular destination

with an innovative mission of social engagement and reciprocal community support with drag queens hosting fundraising “HamBingo” nights as a fundraising opportunity for community causes. Over the following dozen years, Hamburger Mary’s has become a virtual community center. In 2016 it moved to the Walker’s Point gay-borhood where its expanded space allows greater outreach with bingo, drag shows (even during the COVID pandemic with parking lot performances featuring queens wearing face shields) and meet and greets with local politicians.

EDUCATION: CARY COSTELLO, UWM, LGBT STUDIES PROGRAM

Cary Costello, associate professor of sociology, has worked with the UWM’s LGBTQ+ Studies Program since 2002 and served as its director since 2010. Founded in 1993 as the nation's second oldest program of its kind, the UWM LGBTQ Studies under Costello’s tenure has grown from teaching two courses and granting six certificates in LGBTQ+ Studies annually to offering eight course per year and has since granted well over 100 Certificates in LGBTQ+ Studies. As a trans man he has also been recognized as an advocate for transgender and intersex people. Costello holds degrees from Yale College, Harvard Law School and a PhD from University of CaliforniaBerkeley. He has published a dozen works across a spectrum of binary, intersex, trans and identity subjects. Using his own trans experience as a foundation, Costello maintains a blog, “TransFusion” on trans issues.

EQUALITY: KATHLEEN "KASS" HUME & STEPHANIE HUME

To paraphrase a popular idiom, the family that engages politically together, creates progress together. The mother and daughter duo of Kathleen and Stephanie Hume represent that family bond with through their common mission in support of Milwaukee’s LGBTQ progress through activism. Beginning in 1986, as a straight ally, Kass Hume became involved with a spectrum of Milwaukee’s LGBTQ organizations including the Lesbian Alliance, Cream City Foundation and Cream City Chorus, providing them with pro bono legal services. Later she held “legal nights” at the LGBT Community Center for those needing legal advice and served on the Center’s board from 2013-18. She was also instrumental in the community’s public relations response to the Jeffrey Dahmer crisis. Meanwhile, Stephanie Hume participated as a board member of the Lesbian Alliance, Human Rights League and the founding board of the LGBT Community Center. However, her greatest contribution to LGBTQ progress was her decades long service from 1992-2015 as a liaison to the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD). Following the Dahmer arrest in 1991 she became engaged as a leading facilitator for creating communication to implement positive change in MPD relations with the LGBTQ community.

Photo by Marc Bruxelle/Getty Images.

Express

LGBTQ+ Progress Awards Presenting Sponsor:

HEALTH: JOHN GRIFFITH

Nominated by the Milwaukee County Executive in 2018, John Griffith joined the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging, later becoming that body’s secretary and its chair in 2022. As a voice for LGBTQ seniors, he has been a member of numerus state and local senior and health advisory groups and councils. Griffith lifelong dedication to activism began as an 11-year-old “doing doors” for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign. Later, as a freshman at UW-Eau Claire in 1967 he met Eugene McCarthy and became an original member of the “Get Clean with Gene” campaign. Moving to Milwaukee in 1990, Griffith immediately engaged with the LGBTQ community, attending PrideFest at Veterans’ Park, then volunteering for that event as well as for the Human Rights League. He helped create the LGBT Community Center and has remained a Center volunteer for 25 years.

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION: JERRY JOHNSON

Founded by Jerry Johnson and his partner Terry Boughner in 1987, Wisconsin Light soon became Milwaukee’s leading LGBTQ newspaper. It covered a full spectrum of relevant local, regional and world news, arts and politics. As the publication’s editor and publisher, Johnson engaged writers from all

corners of the community, presenting all points of view. Its motto “Give the people light and they will find their own way” guided its mission for over a dozen years. Johnson’s community dedication was underscored when he donated proceeds from the paper’s 10th anniversary “A Decade of Light” gala, nearly $10,000, to the Cream City Foundation. An adamant archivist, he collected documents and ephemera that he later donated to The UWM Library’s LGBT Archive. In 1991 he became a founding member of the city’s Fair Housing and Employment Commission (later the Equal Rights Commission) and, later, of Milwaukee’s LGBT History Project.

PHILANTHROPY: POTAWATOMI CASINO HOTEL

While the LGBTQ struggle for equality has depended largely on its cadre of activists, its allies play an equally critical role in propelling its cause. Especially in the early years when supporting the LGBTQ community had inherent risks and liabilities, certain businesses recognized their common cause of social justice. Since opening in Spring of 1991, Potawatomi Casino Hotel (then-Potawatomi Bingo) has lived up to its mission stated in Potawatomi motto, Gde Pê Nme Go Men, meaning “our responsibility.” That responsibility to serve the greater good includes the greater LGBTQ community as a beneficiary of its philanthropy.

Over the decades, as a community sponsoring partner, Potawatomi Casino Hotel has generously supported all aspects of the LGBTQ community from Vivent Health (formerly ARCW) to PrideFest and from Diverse & Resilient to Cream City Foundation. It is also a Gold Founding Member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

PIONEER: DAVID CLARENBACH

As a Democratic politician and LGBTQ activist, David Clarenbach has an extended history of achievements. However, most importantly, as a member of the Wisconsin State Legislature, he is credited with the 1982 passage of the nation’s first LGBTQ anti-discrimination law. Known as Assembly Bill 70, the law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation by state or private entities in employment and housing. The bill’s passage came after a long process of advocacy and lobbying that began decades earlier. Clarenbach noted that this credit “is to be shared, of course, by the hundreds of community and religious organizations and thousands of individuals who created the political climate to allow the bipartisan group of legislators and a Republican governor to make history. We can all be proud of the accomplishments made during that era 40 years ago and more.”

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 AWARD CATEGORY SPONSORS:

Arts & Culture: Business: Education: Equality: Health: Philanthropy: Pioneer: Media and Communication:

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE!

QKE: A City-Wide Collaboration Celebrates Diversity Through Queer Art

BY PAUL MASTERSON

Not since the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center closed in 2015 has queer art been part of the city’s celebration of Pride Month. Now, thanks to Washington state transplant, queer activist Andrew Whitver, a citywide queer art show with nearly two dozen galleries and art institutions participating, will officially open June 9-11.

Whitver moved from Spokane to Milwaukee in June of 2022. While the month was busy with PrideFest, the Pride Parade, Ride with Pride and other related events, Whitver noticed the conspicuous absence of any LGBTQ dedicated art exhibits. The creator of the Queer Art Walks in Spokane and in Seattle, that particular void stood out. Naturally, Whitver decided to do something about it.

As fate would have it, he met Michael Lagerman, a Milwaukee educator and artist who also co-directs Underscore, an artist-run project space emphasizing risk taking and experimentation in queer art. Lagerman is also half of FxG Church, a charitable club night for queer prosperity.

The duo’s fortuitous meeting resulted in the production of a queer art event that would be dubbed QKE. Its mission is to provide a platform to amplify queer art visibility during Pride Month. Lagerman’s familiarity with the local arts scene helped the pair seek out participants among Cream City’s galleries and art organizations. However, what may have seemed a daunting task at the outset turned into an overwhelming cascade of willing participants. “The response exceeded our expectations,” says Whitver, adding, “few declined and most were honored to be asked.”

and, as Whitver notes, “It has been very democratic. Each participating organization curated their own shows without any of our influence other than the artist showing had to identify in the LGBTQ spectrum.”

GRASSROOTS ROSTER

Indeed, over the months ever more spaces joined the roster, at last count expanding to over 20. They range from major institutions to smaller, local galleries (some long established and others newer), the vast majority of which are straight. Uniquely, the event has no corporate or wealthy sponsors

Included are the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design showcasing 16 artists ranging from photography to video and from sculpture to painting and the Green Gallery exhibiting works by Ugo Rondinone. Milwaukee Art Museum’s QKE contribution features photos by trans artist Martine Gutierrez. The Milwaukee Art Resource Network (MARN) is participating in conjunction with Moody and Lilliput Records acting as a hub putting on a “Queer Zine” show with a zine making demonstration. Portrait Society Gallery presents “Too Much Love,” Virginia Rae Ahrens’ erotic drawings of women from the 1930s. Real Tinsel features a trans curator from Washington State and The Alice Wilds “Be Gay, Do Crime” theme includes an exhibit of Nude Males from 1940-Present. Other participating entities are Tory Folliard, Underscore, Var Gallery, Woodland Pattern Book Center, Aquae Nguvu, Charles Allis Art Museum, Haggerty Museum of Art, Hawthorn Contemporary, Microlights, gener8tor in its new space at Sherman Phoenix, Milwaukee LGBT Community Center and the Museum of Wisconsin Art-Downtown in St. Kate-The Arts Hotel.

Various factors may be at play to explain the city’s enthusiastic embrace of queer art. “I don’t think we’d get the same response if we went to another city and did this,” Whitver says, ac-

Ugo Rondinone. Milwaukee landscape (pink/magenta), 2023. soil, poplar plywood, resin, acrylic paint. 16.50h x 16.50w x 1.20d in.

knowledging the city’s queer friendly reputation (it consistently garners 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index) and its decades long history of LGBTQ art in various iterations. Included in that narrative are major art institutions like the Milwaukee Art Museum. It is not the first time MAM has collaborated with Cream City’s queer community. In 2008, it invited guest docents from the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center to give tours of MAM’s special exhibit of works by British gay art duality, Gilbert and George (they’ve just opened a London museum dedicated to themselves, by the way). Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s concentrated urban area allows it to hold an event of such a dimension in which nearly two dozen venues can simultaneously participate throughout the city from Mitchell Street on the South Side to Downtown and Riverwest.

Officially, QKE runs June 9-11. However, programming spans the month of June with some shows already in progress while some open on the launch date

and continue beyond Pride Month. All will be open and participating on the QKE’s launch weekend, many with an opening reception.

OPEN BOUNDARIES

But what is queer art? According to Whitver and Lagerman, QKE uses the term queer to signify the limitless range of identities represented in the Trans, Lesbian, Gay, Bi and all other communities experiencing sexual marginalization. QKE intends for queer to be comprehensive and open, acknowledging the nuances of individual identity and experience within a larger, inclusive network. They cite the curator and critic, Vince Aletti: “Queer resists boundaries and refuses to be narrowly defined.” In short, Whitver adds, “QKE is organizing the arts to show that Pride means more than just rainbows

We need to remain visible. The artists are brave in these times.”

In fact, given the current white supremacist Evangelical crusade against the LGBTQ community, QKE, beyond queer

visibility, is also a timely expression of solidarity. “This is activism,” say Whitver and Lagerman. Reflecting on its resilience, Lagerman adds, “There isn’t a time in history when the queer community went away. I hope QKE inspires activism,” noting that the event itself “activates art spaces to stand up.” Even the QKE logo is a protest.” It’s very intentional,” says Lagerman, “The logo is designed by youth.”

Asked what galleries warrant a “must see” recommendation Whitver simply replied, “All of the above.”

Further information may be found at the QKE website at https://qke.info/

Martine Gutierrez (American, b. 1989), Queer Rage, Imagine Life-Size, and I’m Tyra, p66–67 from Indigenous Woman, 2018. Inkjet print. Courtesy of the artist; RYAN LEE Gallery, New York; and Aperture

Paul Masterson is an LGBTQ activist and writer and has served on the boards of the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, Milwaukee Pride, GAMMA and other organizations.

HAPPY PRIDE!

It’s that time of year, folks. It’s time to let your pride flag fly! There are so many great events happening, I can barely contain myself.

In fact, there are so many opportunities for fun this month, I’m going to forgo my advice column and leave you an extended list of pride activities as well as other ways to jumpstart summer. Can’t wait until next month to read my neighborly advice? See my weekly articles at www.shepherdexpress.com/lgbtq/dear-ruthie, brought to you by C3 Designs.

Ruthie's Social Calendar

JUNE 1 THROUGH JUNE 3

MILWAUKEE PRIDEFEST AT HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK (200 N. HARBOR DRIVE): Considered one of the biggest, best and most-beloved pride celebrations in the country, this three-day party is back for its 35th year. From food and fireworks to dancing and drag, you’ll find it all at Pridefest. See www.pridefest.com for a rainbow review of the fest.

JUNE 2

VANESSA VANJIE MATEO MEET & GREET AT THIS IS IT (418 E. WELLS ST.):

The RuPaul darling struts into Milwaukee just in time to liven up the city’s pride celebration. Vanjie’s drag show is free, but there is a $90 fee to attend the 8 p.m. meet and greet. Stop by www.eventbrite.com for tickets.

JUNE 3

RIDE WITH PRIDE AT HARLEYDAVIDSON MUSEUM (400 CANAL ST.):

Amp up your pride celebration by joining the world’s largest LGBTQ+ motorcycle run. Registration opens at 10 a.m. followed by the 11 a.m. ride. Free and open to all, the ride hits several popular neighborhoods, drives past Pridefest and concludes with a bash at Harbor Room (117 E. Greenfield Ave).

JUNE 4

THE MILWAUKEE PRIDE PARADE AT SECOND STREET (BETWEEN GREENFIELD AVE. AND SEEBOTH ST.):

See why the city’s pride parade has become an event no one wants to miss. The popular parade steps off at 2 p.m., with a street party to follow. Free and open to all, this parade is truly a gem in Milwaukee’s tiara. Learn more at www. prideparademke.org. Visit the local LGBTQ+ clubs, bars and establishments near the route and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to schedule a vacation day the Monday after!

JUNE 9 & JUNE 10

ART 64 AT VILLAGE OF WAUWATOSA (7603 W. STATE ST.): This change-ofpace fest pits local artists against one another bracket-style, challenging each to create a themed piece in 60 minutes. You judge who goes on to the next round, ultimately leaving one artist standing. All of the art pieces are up for bid. Stop by www.art64tosa.com for more.

JUNE 11

LOCUST STREET FESTIVAL AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS ON LOCUST STREET: Enjoy this 44th annual music and art celebration that features music stages, local vendors, food and, of course, the infamous beer run. Take in the street party anytime from noon to 8 p.m. www.locuststreetfestival.org.

JUNE 16

THE BASH AT MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (929 N. WATER ST.): Join Grammy-nominee Cheyenne Jackson for this glitzy 5 p.m. gala that raises money for the center’s arts programs. See why this popular fundraiser is going strong at 18 years when you order tickets at www.marcuscenter.org.

JUNE 17

DRAG QUEEN STORY HOUR AT LINCOLN PARK (1301 W. HAMPTON AVE.): Story time is family time, so bring yours to this free event where positivity, love, creativity and acceptance take center stage. Enjoy the stories from 1-3 p.m.

JUNE 23

COLIN JOST AT THE ORPHEUM THEATER (216 STATE ST., MADISON): Cap off Wisconsin’s pride month with a visit from an SNL favorite. The Weekend Update cutie pie brings his comedy night to Mad City with two shows (7 p.m., and 10 p.m.), so nab your tickets at www.madisonorpheum.com.

JUNE 24 & JUNE 25

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL AT HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CEDARBURG (N70 W6340 BRIDGE RD., CEDARBURG): From strawberry shortcakes and salsa to wine and art walks, this delightful weekend offers all the sugary sweet charm you can handle. Buy art from local makers, check out the adorable shops, dance at the music stages, and sip and stroll (and nosh) your way through the popular festival. The fun starts at 10 a.m. on both days.

Keeping Pets Safe in the Summer

BY CALEY, AND CARRIE MARBLE, OWNER, BARK N’ SCRATCH OUTPOST

Warm weather is finally here! Our four-legged friends want to enjoy the outdoors with us, but we need a plan to keep them safe and cool.

First and foremost, leave your dog at home if they will need to stay unattended for any length of time. The inside of a car works like a greenhouse. Heat from the sun gets trapped, causing temperatures to climb rapidly even if the windows are cracked.

As humans, we feel hot and uncomfortable in these extreme conditions, and we begin to sweat. Our dogs don’t have the same ability to regulate themselves. Once the external temperature exceeds a dog’s internal temperature of approximately 101°F, panting does not help cool them down. Heat stroke can set in within 15 minutes. Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, dehydration, and excessive drooling are all signs that your dog may be overheating.

When traveling with your dog, take precautionary measures to ensure a safe trip. Bring extra water to keep them hydrated and a portable fan to keep them cool in case of an emergency. Also take into consideration the seating arrangement.

Your pup may love the wind in their face, but it is important to keep them from jumping out the window, distracting the driver, or getting thrown across the car due to a sudden stop or accident. The safest way to travel with your dog is to

have them in a fastened, enclosed kennel out of direct sunlight. This gives them a safe place similar to a car seat for a child. If a kennel doesn’t suit your situation, a short tethered seatbelt can be used to keep the dog secure. When using a seatbelt, make sure the dog is wearing a harness so that a sudden stop does not cause strain to the dog’s neck and crush its trachea.

Heat dangers don’t end once you reach your destination. Dogs’ paw pads are extremely sensitive to the hot earth they walk on and can become cracked, blistered, or burned. If the ground is too hot for you to touch for ten minutes, then it is too hot for your dog’s paws. You can minimize the effects of the heat by walking in the shade, moisturizing your dog’s paws, or purchasing protective boots for your dog to wear.

By taking heat, hydration, and car safety into consideration we can have a fun and safe summer with our favorite companions.

Content sponsored by Bark n’ Scratch Outpost. Locally owned since 2006, Carrie, Michael and staff are dedicated to educating pet owners about healthy options for their pets. Bark n’ Scratch Outpost is located at 5835 W. Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53213

Photo by PeopleImages/Getty Images.

Coutesy of Bark N' Scratch Outpost.

What Makes Tails N’ Trails Unique

BY TAILS N' TRAILS PETS LLC

We are not your average dog walkers. Tails N' Trails specializes in off-leash hikes, adventure daycare, group walks, recall and leash etiquette training, and customizable pet care. Unlike most pet service businesses, you are set up with the same regular caretaker for your pet(s). We pride ourselves on the importance of developing a relationship with you and your pet(s) in order to offer the very best care for them. So much so, that we require clients use our services for 2 months prior to being able to book inhome sitting or boarding with us. These particular services entail the regular

walker staying overnight in the dog’s own home, or the dog staying overnight in the walker’s own home, rather than in a kennel or boarding facility.

Not only do we have specialized care and policies, but all of our walkers are also pet CPR/ first aid licensed and certified dog trainers. Simply put, Tails N' Trails is not your average dog walker!

Content sponsored by Tails N' Trails Pets LLC.

Photo courtesy of Tails N' Trails Pets LLC

BY MICHAEL MUCKIAN

If you grew up in Milwaukee during the last half of the 20th Century, chances are that you witnessed at least once The Great Circus Parade. From 1963 to 2003 the cavalcade caromed down Wisconsin Avenue 30 times, an assemblage of horse-drawn antique circus wagons, stilt-walkers, clowns, marching bands and whatnot that always attracted tens of thousands of onlookers.

While the parade may be a thing of the past, the circus regalia is alive, well and on permanent display a scant two hours northwest of Milwaukee at the Circus World Museum in the Sauk County community of Baraboo. Once the winter home of the traveling Ringling Brothers Circus and the starting point for every Great Circus Parade in recent memory, Baraboo has kept the moniker “Circus City” and wears it proudly for its 13,000 residents as well as worldwide visitors and circus fans alike.

Circus World clowns Steve & Ryan. Photo by Bill Johnsen. Courtesy of Baraboo Chamber of Commerce.

At first glance, Baraboo resembles any other Midwest county seat, with most of the action focused around the downtown Courthouse Square. Ringed with specialty merchants, restaurants and tasting rooms for local breweries, wineries and the Driftless Glen Distillery, the square is anchored on the north side by the recently refurbished Al. Ringling Theatre, a historic old vaudeville palace that is home to local arts groups and features national performers.

But the theater isn’t the only thing Albert Ringling left behind. The Ringling Mansion, the circus owner’s former home, was originally destined to become a museum, which it still is in a very real way. But during renovation two years ago workers found a wooden box under the floorboards that contained a secret beer recipe for Ringling’s own specialty brand, which set a new course for the property. Now open to the public, the Al. Ringling Brewing Co. boasts a rotating taplist of 19 beers brewed onsite, including the Ringling Original, a pre-Prohibition-style ale of 3.8% ABV with a blend of fruit and spice notes blended with bread and yeasty flavors.

Baraboo’s real draw, of course, is the Circus World Museum complex listed on the National Register of Historic Places and run by the Wisconsin

Historical Society. Open March 20 through September 29, the complex includes seven large buildings filled with memorabilia, including the historic circus wagons that traveled the streets of Milwaukee and earlier visited many small communities and rural areas across the country to announce that the circus was coming to town.

GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

Other exhibits showcase the work and personal lives of the Ringling Brothers, other Wisconsin-based circuses, famous animal trainers, street parades, circus trains, menageries, side show attractions, clowns, logistics, specialized equipment and circus wagon construction, a colossal miniature circus, circus wagon restoration, movie props from Cecil B. DeMille’s 1952 film The Greatest Show on Earth, and much more. During the summer months, all that is augmented by regular circus performances on the grounds and a circus parade around Baraboo’s Courthouse Square.

After that much excitement you may need a place to cool down, and one the best places anywhere is Devil’s Lake State Park , located just eight miles south of the city. A preferred destination for campers, hikers, climbers and water sport enthusiasts, Devil’s Lake has appeared on multiple “best of” lists as Wisconsin’s best state park.

Located on the state’s Ice Age Trail, the park offers magnificent views from the 500-foot quartzite cliffs that surround the 360-acre deep-water lake. The lake has no obvious inlets or outlets, which helps give it its unique character. The name is thought to be a misinterpretation of the Ho-Chunk word Te Wakacakra, which better translates to “Sacred Lake” or “Spirit Lake.” And if that’s not enough, Tumbled Rocks Brewery & Kitchen offers food and craft-brewed libations right outside the park’s north entrance.

But whatever you call it, Devil’s Lake is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or weekend, especially after all the circus hubbub subsides.

Michael Muckian was the banking and finance writer for the Milwaukee Business Journal and is the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Financing and Accounting and The One-Day MBA in Finance and Accounting

TOP LEFT: Enjoying the View at Devil's Lake by Yenti Eilertson. TOP RIGHT: Al. Ringling Brewing Oktoberfest couple by Ben Bromley.

BOTTOM LEFT: Big Top Parade elephants by Tom Williams BOTTOM CENTER: Al. Ringling Theatre dancer by Bill Johnsen. BOTTOM RIGHT: Ice Age Trail by Skillet Creek Media. All photos courtesy of Baraboo Chamber of Commerce.

BY JAMIE LEE RAKE

As Summerfest marks its 55th annual celebration of Milwaukee and the musical variety the city embraces, one fact becomes apparent. As it has grown over the past five decades to become the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest has come to encompass the world. The 2023 lineup delivers a swath of sounds from multiple coun-

tries and continents. Summerfest’s astounding international sonic smorgasbord may be experienced during any given segment of its nine-day run with a general admission ticket. Previewed below are acts representing the wide array of music from throughout the globe to be heard in late June through mid-July at Henry Maier Festival Park.

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Above photo courtesy of Summerfest.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22 LA SRA. TOMASA

2 P.M. BRIGGS & STRATTON BIG BACKYARD

The title of the 2020 album by Barcelona septet La Sra. Tomasa translates to English as Joyful but Dangerous That seems apt. Like so many of the best bands, they come off like a gang whose energy and shenanigans make a listener want to join them. The trick they perform best, though, is integrating musical styles from across the Spanish-speaking world into one variegated whole. Their versatility encompasses unironic mariachi, replete with sorrowful brass and busy guitars pivoting easily to fiery salsa or vibraphone-led ambient Cal Tjader jazz. That’s not to mention their facility with, among other genres, hiphop and their generosity in enlisting the occasional rapper to join them. Their Live Sessions album and video series feature enough guests to lead one on paths to a bounty of other discoveries. As the band to inaugurate the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard, leading a bill with reggae legends Third World and The Wailers, Summerfest will start off in a most spirited way.

FRIDAY, JUNE 23 BAD SKIN

3:30 P.M. ULINE WAREHOUSE STAGE

One release by Montreal’s Bad Skin is entitled Riot Girl. So, maybe they are a product of Bikini Kill and the other radically feminist bands prominent in the ‘90s underground. When they do get political, it can be by context, as in their pummeling remake of Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” which atomizes the regrettable sexual subtext of Aqua’s Euro disco smash. When directly issue-oriented—as when they express general disdain for government, guns and presidents—their hooky passion overwhelms any study of theory they may have undertaken. That’s OK, too. They still declare themselves to be voices for the voiceless. Most importantly, Bad Skin rock. That they do in a way that registers on the harder end of the pop-punk spectrum, with tri-lingual lead singer Dope (Tamara Galdames Morales) who betrays a Joan Jett influence from times predating when anyone thought “pop” and “punk” should go together.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24 SANTA FE KLAN

10:15 P.M. MILLER LITE OASIS

New York City’s first wave of hip-hop innovators could not have conceived of their music journeying over an international diaspora. As each culture adapts and morphs rap and the rhythms behind it via the styles they already know, anthropology narrows to ethnomusicology, and the unity of diversity is proven again. Thus, it is with Mexican rapper Santa Fe Klan. The 20-something (born Ángel Quezada in the Santa Fe barrio of Guanajuato) raps in staccato cadences and sing-speaks akin to Drake in Spanish. More abundant than the trippy synthetic sounds backing many U.S. MCs, however, is instrumentation germane to regional Mexican music. Mournful acoustic guitars and chromatic accordions dominate over drum machine thumps. Klan (one person who uses a plural moniker to include his fans and everyone involved in his career) is by no means alone, as Mexican hip-hop’s origins harken at least far back as the early ‘00s urban regional movement featuring acts such as Akwid and Milwaukee’s own Kinto Sol. Santa Fe Klan will be headlining the Miller Lite Oasis stage with opening support from, among others, hometown duo Browns Crew and one of his influences, MC Davo.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29 SHINYRIBS

6:30 P.M. ULINE WAREHOUSE STAGE

“Keep Austin weird” goes the directive, a slogan adopted by Texas’ capital to promote its small business and nurture its bohemian atmosphere. Shinyribs has been doing his part to maintain strangeness in the city for over a decade. Or should that be “Shinyribs have been doing their part ...”? Shinyribs acts as both the nickname of bandleader Kevin Russell and the group he helms. The amiable front man, looking like Dr. John playing Santa Claus, fronts an assemblage of nine-to-ten members, creating post-genre roots music of bafflingly divergent, yet unassumingly natural, character. Incorporating East Indian tabla and jazzy flute into what would otherwise be a traditionally mournful country song may at first elicit a “Huh?” Hearing the fruit of Russell’s peculiar imagination, however, puts his seemingly crazy notions into sensible perspective. Weirder still is some of Russell’s wardrobe; its most prominent garment may be a cape adorned with a fringe illuminated like a neon sign that could have easily been in Sun Ra’s or Elton John’s closet. With their Tijuana Trainwreck Horns and choreographed Shiny Soul Sisters back-up singers, Shinyribs should be bringing much genial weirdness to the Uline Warehouse Stage.

SATURDAY, JULY 1 A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS

9:30 P.M. USCELLULAR CONNECTION STAGE

A Flock of Seagulls, founded by brothers Mike and Ali Cross over 40 years ago, had a brief hit streak but have left an indelible cultural footprint. Some of that legacy comes from their hairdos. Mike especially. Giving himself the appearance of a blond Wolverine made a distinct visual impression. That image made high rotation on MTV in the cable outlet’s first full year of operation via the video for “I Ran.” The song and band linked England’s post-disco fashionista new romantic movement to new wave’s evolution through the 1980s. Their debut album holds other ‘80s gems, too; ditto for sophomore long-player, Listening, containing their final U.S. Top 40 entry, the melancholy “Wishing.” Since then, the Flock’s music and often gravity-defying locks have become shorthand for Thatcher/Reagan-era style. Punchline status hasn’t deprived them of work, though. The nostalgia touring circuit has been good to them, as has The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom they've recorded fresh interpretations of their work. With Wang Chung and Jesus Jones preceding A Flock of Seagulls on the UScellular Connection Stage, a night of danceable memories is nigh guaranteed.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30 THAIKKUDAM BRIDGE

4 P.M. ULINE WAREHOUSE STAGE

The idea of East Indian progressive rock band Thaikkudam Bridge may first seem exotic to Westerners. The execution is more curious. Prog can require more players than basic guitarists, bassist and drummer. But 15 members? That number breaks down to six instrumentalists and nine singers. And if there are other subcontinental proggies incorporating elements of India's folk and classical traditions, the Bridge aren’t really among them. The most esoteric item on stage during a Thaikkudam concert—during which most of the guys are likely as not sitting—is a violin. Its inclusion makes Thaikkudam Bridge something of a parallel to 1970s Kansas, albeit with intermittently thrashier guitars. That latter angle manifests favorably when they interpret a Metallica number; similarly, having an ace keyboardist in tow proves handy when they slide into a Doors song. More peculiar is the English-as-probable-second-language rap passage in their breakthrough viral hit, “Fish Rock”—yes, the rhyming is dedicated to catching and consuming fish. If Summerfest is going to book a prog rock act, it may as well be Thaikkudam Bridge, to whom no one else on this year’s bill is close to comparable.

THURSDAY, JULY 6 SMASH MOUTH

10 P.M. USCELLUAR

CONNECTION STAGE

Smash Mouth fooled many at first. The 1997 single that served as their introduction to MTV, alt rock and pop radio, “Walkin’ on the Sun,” sounds like the kind of ‘60s garage punk nugget that could have fit on the legendary compilation Nuggets. The San Jose band would revisit that feeling on hits such as “When the Morning Comes” and their rendition of “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love,” the latter originally recorded by actual ‘60s punks ? & The Mysterians. Those tunes were already deviations from the ska-punk by which they amassed a regional following. But Smash Mouth wouldn’t ultimately make their name by reviving the style of mid-20th century Jamaica. “All Star,” purposefully written to be a hit and give misfit kids encouragement, sealed Smash Mouth’s commercial fortune. Its applicability for movie licensing made “All Star” inescapable around the turn of the century. They also put their own twist on The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” for Shrek. Although original singer Steve Harwell left the group for health reasons, current vocalist Zach Goode replicates the charm of the man he has replaced.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

GOOD BOY DAISY

6:15 P.M. MILLER LITE OASIS STAGE

The twin sisters comprising Good Boy Daisy get it right when describing their music as “alt pop with plenty of rock influence.” The rock only somewhat derives from the affection for grunge vocalist Hallie Maynes and her guitar-playing sister, Dyllin, gleaned from their father, But the ‘90s Pacific Northwest style taught the twosome more tuneful lessons than many of the male caterwaulers on hard rock radio since Kurt Cobain’s passing. When they sing of heartbreak and romantic uncertainty, the turmoil in their delivery doesn’t morph into the gloom summoned by the flannel-wearing dudes their dad favored. The duo’s poppiness translates into both a judicious use of synthetic sounds and an accessible lyrical directness. That is to say, the Mayneses aren’t heavy like Lana Del Ray, but, in a Radio Disney way (were that station still active), Good Boy Daisy could serve as a gateway to more emotionally complicated feminine artistry. And unlike some musical former Disney stars, Good Boy Daisy haven’t gone through a rebellious stage to recast their public image—yet, anyway! Their Miller Lite Oasis Stage set should end in time for many of the siblings’ core audience to get home before dark, too.

SATURDAY, JULY 8 MAYYADDA

7:30

P.M. ULINE WAREHOUSE STAGE

The strikingly white-haired singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Minneapolis often draws rhythmically from trap, the Southern hip-hop variant that has seeped into a broad swath of popular music. In other ways, though Mayyadda takes from soul music’s of older vintage to fashion something singular. To give her artistry a proprietary designation, she calls it BlackGirlMagic. The roots of her legerdemain go at least far back as the folk-imbued intensity of Bill Withers. More recent pathfinders like India.Arie figure into Mayyadda’s aesthetic, too. She has likely also fallen under the sway of folkies unafraid of electronics, such as Beth Orton and Ani DiFranco. And the way Mayyadda’s lyrics often mingle personal conflict and aspirational empowerment allow listeners a multitude of positions to come at her music from various viewpoints. Mayyadda’s purple-loving punk funk forebear from Minneapolis isn’t likely to fade from public memory any time soon. She is, however, forging something fresh and compelling to represent the Twin Cities.

OUTDOOR DINING GUIDE

1955 S. Hilbert St. Milwaukee (414) 481-9974

Barnaclebuds.com

Milwaukee’s iconic Best Kept Secret is not so secret any longer. Tucked away on the Kinnickinnic River, it offers a reprieve from the city with its casual atmosphere and fare. Offering everything from seafood to bar food, from Pirate Punch to Dumpster Punch.

1901 E. North Ave. Milwaukee (414) 278-7878

Beansandbarley.com

A specialty store and restaurant located on Milwaukee's East Side. There’s a market with everything from groceries to gifts, an all-homemade deli with fresh specials every day, and a café that serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have a steady commitment to three principles: quality, value, and fun. Stop in and treat yourself to some real, good, food.

249 N. Water St. Milwaukee (414) 431-1133

Bluebatkitchen.com

Blue Bat Kitchen finds inspiration in the energy and flavors of street food around the globe. Enjoy some of Milwaukee’s best tacos, shareable appetizers, and more in a relaxed and fun environment that pairs perfectly with Milwaukee’s very first Tequilaria.

Illustration by Tim Czerniakowski.

BLUE BAT KITCHEN & TEQUILARIA

BEANS & BARLEY

BARNACLE BUD’S

Photo courtesy of Benson's Restaurant Group.

Photo courtesy of Beans & Barley.

Photo courtesy of Barnacle Buds.

BOONE & CROCKETT

818 S. Water St. Milwaukee

(414) 212-8115

Boonemilwaukee.com

Situated right at the Milwaukee and Kinnickinnic River confluence, Boone & Crockett's patio hasn’t even reached its final form. Boasting amazing views of the Hoan Bridge and Lake Michigan, it features Taco Moto food truck's permanent home, with a seasonal bar and weekly live music.

BOTANAS RESTAURANT

816 S. Fifth St. Milwaukee

(414) 672-3755

Botanasrestaurant.com

In the summer, sip margaritas and munch on chips and guacamole on Botana’s open-air patio. It’s spacious enough for large groups and also perfect for a table of two. If the outdoor seating is full, request a table under the covered patio to still take advantage of a summer evening. Both options are a great way to enjoy this casual cantina that offers authentic Mexican dishes.

CAFÉ CORAZON

Multi locations in Bay View, Riverwest & Brown Deer

Corazonmilwaukee.com

The Riverwest location along the Beerline Trail complements the restaurant's bright, fresh Mexican-inspired food. In Bay View, you'll find a quiet, artsy patio tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Kinnickinnic. The Brown Deer location hosts the largest Corazon patio with seating for 60. It too is off the Oak Leaf Trail and will feature its own outdoor bar.

CAFÉ MANNA

3815 N. Brookfield Rd. Brookfield

(262) 790-2340

Cafemanna.com

Celebrate this summer season at our neighborhood gem, nestled within our fresh garden. Enjoy the scenic surroundings as you indulge Manna’s craft cocktails and modern summer cuisine, which is also vegan friendly.

CAMINO

434 S. Second St. Milwaukee

(414) 763-0232

Caminomke.com

Tucked away in a narrow alley, you’ll find a lush green landscape at Camino in Walker’s Point. It’s truly a hidden gem amongst downtown patios. Summer is short - come imbibe and get down with some killer bar food in this outdoor oasis while you can. Kitchen open late.

CENTRO

808 E. Center St. Milwaukee (414) 455-3751

Centrocaferiverwest.com

An Italian-inspired, full-service restaurant with delicious food, warm service, and a charming atmosphere…seasonal deck & sunken garden terrace dining…exceptional dining experiences to remember… bar centro jazz lounge next door.

Photo courtesy of Botanas Restaurant.

Photo courtesy of Centro.

Photo courtesy of Boone & Crockett.

Photo courtesy of Camino.

Photo courtesy of Cafe Corazon.

Photo courtesy of Cafe Manna.

DOM & PHIL’S DEMARINIS

1211 E. Conway St. Milwaukee

(414) 481-2348

Domandphildemarinis.com

Dom & Phil’s Original Recipes are recognized for having some of the best pizza in Milwaukee. There’s also a wonderful menu of Italian entrées, weekly specials, appetizers, and salads and a full bar where you can grab a bite or drink. People love the outdoor patio with a great view of the downtown skyline and the fireworks!

FIVE O’CLOCK STEAKHOUSE

2416 W. State St. Milwaukee

(414) 342-3553

Fiveoclocksteakhouse.com

Relax and enjoy your supper club experience on our intimate patio lined with beautiful flowers and firepit. Five O’Clock Steakhouse specializes in serving award winning steaks and seafood paired with a notable wine list, classic cocktails, and outstanding, personalized service.

GOLDEN MAST

W349 N5293 Lacy’s Lane

Okauchee

(262) 567-7047

Weissgerbergroup.com

The Golden Mast is a family-run restaurant and special events venue that offers delicious steaks, seafood, and traditional German specialties in a truly unique setting. Its gorgeous views of Lake Okauchee and warm European atmosphere make it a Lake Country favorite. Classic Fine Dining, Lakeside Lounge Patio, Casual Menu, Banquets & Weddings, Marina & Boat Launch, Bay Runner Pontoon.

GREAT LAKES DISTILLERY

616 W. Virginia St. Milwaukee

(414) 431-8683

Greatlakesdistillery.com

Open daily, our patio is the perfect spot to relax with friends and family – human or furry. Check out our hours and current cocktail menu at greatlakesdistillery.com.

KEGEL’S INN

5901 W. National Ave West Allis (414) 257-9999

Kegelsinn.com

Kegel's Inn Beer Garden is a hidden treasure in the city. Live music from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; Friday 6-9 and during lunch on Saturday noon-3. Beer Garden menu including kids options and Friday Fish Fry. Happy Hour 4-6 T/W/Th 1/2 OFF Liters & $2 OFF All Burgers & Brats $5 Root Beer Floats. Kegel’s Inn is Open Tuesday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

LAKEFRONT BREWERY

1872 N. Commerce St.

Milwaukee

(414) 372-8800

Lakefrontbrewery.com

For over 35 years, Lakefront Brewery has been crafting dependable, true-to-style beers, giving America’s Favorite Brewery Tour™, and creating fun for all. This summer, Lakefront has added an all-new outdoor bar, bathrooms, and enlarged Riverwalk space. Milwaukee’s iconic, craft brewer welcomes everyone for a beer, some food, and a laugh.

Photo courtesy of Dom & Phil's DeMarinis.

Photo courtesy of Golden Mast.

Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Distillery.

Photo courtesy of Kegel's Inn.

Photo courtesy of Lakefront Brewery.

Photo courtesy of Five O'Clock Steakhouse.

MOTOR BAR & RESTAURANT

401 W. Canal St. Milwaukee

(414) 287-2778

Motorrestaurant.com

With a patio overlooking the Menomonee River and its own kayak and boat dock, there is no better place to enjoy summer in Milwaukee. Offering a full food and beverage menu, engaging programming, pet treats and lawn games – it’s the perfect place to make memories all season long.

MULLIGANS IRISH PUB & GRILL

8933 S. 27th St. Franklin

(414) 304-0300

Mulliganson27th.com

Enjoy lunch or dinner on their beautiful, spacious smoke-free patio that is perfect for private parties and large groups. You can also catch live music with Ian Gould each First Tuesday of the month, starting in July (weather permitting).

MOXIE FOOD + DRINK

501 E. Silver Spring Drive

Whitefish Bay

(414) 204-8980

Eatatmoxie.com

Feel like you’re dining in Europe on the MOXIE patio in Whitefish Bay. MOXIE packs a lot of charm into its lush little patio with a relaxed kind of elegant vibe. Serving inspired American comfort food—steaks, seafood, and pasta, along with fine wines and classic cocktails—enjoy exceptional service and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Open for lunch Tuesday-Friday, dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Bar and appetizer menu on Sunday afternoons.

Photo courtesy of Moxie Food + Drink.

Photo courtesy of Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill.

Photo courtesy of Motor Bar & Restaurant.

ONESTO

221 N. Broadway St. Milwaukee

(414) 308-1600

Onestomke.com

Italian for “honest,” Onesto puts a modern twist on Italian cuisine that’s fresh and flavorful. We pair handmade pasta with an outstanding wine and craft cocktail list, elegant service, and a unique menu that has been frequently named among the best Italian in Milwaukee.

W61 N514 Washington Ave. Cedarburg

(262) 421-8040

Pjpiperwi.com

Start your day off right at PJ Pipers! We’re open early during Strawberry Fest with outdoor seating to make sure you have a great start to the day.

1850 N. Water St. Milwaukee

(414) 431-9009

Redlionpubmke.com

Experience a corner of the UK with a menu of favorite British dishes, authentic cocktails, brews and spirits all while cheering on your favorite soccer team. We offer the community outdoor dining as well as onsite and offsite catering.

Photo courtesy of PJ Piper Pancake House.

Photo courtesy of Benson's Restaurant Group.

PJ PIPER PANCAKE HOUSE

RED LION PUB

Photo courtesy of Red Lion Pub.

SALA

2613 E. Hampshire St. Milwaukee

(414) 964-2611

Saladining.com

Situated on a quiet street just off Downer, our patio offers a European outdoor, relaxing atmosphere. Without a trip across the ocean, guests enjoy patio dining perfect for a warm evening dinner, a cocktail or glass of wine or stop in for a snack and a drink. You'll feel like you've enjoyed an evening in Palermo or Rome.

SMOKE SHACK

332 N. Milwaukee St. Milwaukee

(414) 431-1119

Smoke-shack.com

We’re obsessed with the craft of smoked meat. Our certified humanely-raised meats are dry rubbed, slow smoked, and sauced by you. In some cases, we began smoking your meat yesterday to ensure you get the perfect quality barbecue.

THE BRIDGE WATER MODERN GRILL

2011 S. 1st St.

Milwaukee

(414) 299-6556

Bridgewatermke.com

Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee’s emerging Harbor District, The Bridgewater Modern Grill reflects its presence on the historic Kinnikinnic River with a specially crafted menu that explores the essence of fire in fine food.

THE EDISON

322 N. Broadway St. Milwaukee

Edisonmke.com

Opening this SUMMER 2023 The Edison, a sophisticated neighborhood grill, will feature indulgent, new American eats serving coal-fired butcher’s cuts and seafood, as well as other classic dishes. The speakeasy-inspired bar will highlight a curated selection of distilled spirits, nostalgic cocktails with a modern twist, local draft beers and an approachable wine list.

THE OUTSIDER

310 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee

(414) 291-3980

Outsiderrooftop.com

This summer, head to The Outsider, Milwaukee’s premiere rooftop destination. Enjoy twinkling skyline views and weekly entertainment while sipping on creative cocktails and regional smallbatch spirits. Fuel up with The Outsider’s menu of shareable snacks, perfect for a night out.

THE PACKING HOUSE

900 E. Layton Ave. Milwaukee

(414) 483-5054

Packinghousemke.com

We bring the atmosphere of dining inside to our beautiful outdoor patio. A waterfall, fireplace, flowers, and heaters make for a comfortable dining experience. Enjoy our full menu selection and cocktails on Milwaukee’s design award-winning patio!

Photo courtesy of Benson's Restaurant Group.

Photo courtesy of The Outsider.

Photo courtesy of Benson's Restaurant Group.

Photo courtesy of Benson's Restaurant Group.

Photo courtesy of Sala.

Photo courtesy of The Packing House.

THE PIVOT ROOM AT WHIRLYBALL

185 S. Moorland Rd. Brookfield

(262) 786-7777

Whirlyball.com

The Pivot Room pairs flavorful dishes with crafted libations packing a onetwo punch that’ll have you asking for more. We offer a relaxed yet elevated dining experience featuring fresh takes on classic American cuisine, an expansive rotating craft beer selection, and refreshing signature cocktails.

THREE LIONS PUB

4515 N. Oakland Ave. Milwaukee (414) 763-6992

Threelionspub.com

Experience a corner of the UK with a menu of favorite British dishes, authentic cocktails, brews and spirits all while cheering on your favorite soccer team. We offer the community outdoor dining as well as onsite and offsite catering.

200 N. Broadway St. Milwaukee

(414) 291-3971

Trerivalirestaurant.com

Located in the heart of Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward District, Tre Rivali offers the city’s best Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. Indulge in wood-fired favorites and seasonable ingredients in Tre Rivali’s vibrant dining room or lovely sidewalk summer patio.

VON TRIER

2235 N. Farwell Ave.

Milwaukee

(414) 272-1775

Vontriers.com

A taste of Germany is closer than you think. Located right in Milwaukee’s Eastside, spend hot summer nights on our award winning Biergarten cooling off with our award-winning import beer selection. Not to mention we serve killer food too.

WAR MEMORIAL BEER GARDEN

750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. Milwaukee

Warmemorialbeergarden.com

On the lakefront, the WMBG is in the shadow of the War Memorial building. The WMBG is upgraded with a container bar serving German beer, brats, Vennture Cold Brew Latte, and snacks. Park in the WMC adjacent lot for a free beer. Proceeds benefit the War Memorial and its mission. Dogs welcome!

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., with live music Friday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Opens May 26 for Memorial Day weekend.

Photo courtesy of Kegel's Inn.

Photo courtesy of Von Trier.

TRE RIVALI

Photo courtesy of Tre Rivali.

Photo courtesy of Three Lions Pub.

Photo courtesy of The Pivot Room at Whirlyball.

Summer Summer

ARTS GUIDE

2023 ARTS GUIDE

JUNE-AUGUST

American Players Theatre Announces New Plays and Upgraded Parking for 2023 Season

BY ANNE SIEGEL

Summer’s outdoor pleasures abound throughout Wisconsin and, for many, one of the most highly anticipated pleasures is the season announcement at American Players Theatre (APT) in Spring Green.

This year’s season of nine productions will run in repertory from June 10 through November 19. Some shows will be staged in the larger outdoor Hill Theater, while others will be presented in the more intimate, indoor Touchstone. As in past years, APT’s approach will offer a variety of Shakespeare offerings and other classics, as well as more contemporary fare.

While APT presents a new roster of shows every season, this year offers something new in terms of the company’s physical space. The former,

grassy parking lot has been enlarged and (partially) replaced with asphalt, thanks to a one-time grant from the State of Wisconsin. The parking lot lighting has been improved as well.

“We were getting to the point where the number of cars in our old parking area was at capacity,” said APT Managing Director Sara Young. This is Young’s 21st season at APT, so she has seen many upgrades during her years here. “The parking situation was something that needed attention—and soon. Also, the paved area will make things much easier for mobility-impaired theatergoers,” Young said.

About half of APT’s former parking space is now paved, especially those sections located near the shuttle buses. There’s also a small, newly paved picnic area to assist mobility-impaired guests.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to help theatergoers plan their summer:

JUNE

• The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare. One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies returns. The play mixes practical jokes, ribald parody and the mis-

chievous Falstaff into the hilarity. It’s one of the plays that APT does best. Previews begin in the Hill Theater June 10.

• The Liar by David Ives. This adaptation of a French play is geared for laughter. For instance, one character is unable to tell a lie, and another cannot tell anything but a lie. Previews begin June 16 in the Hill Theater.

• Our Town by Thornton Wilder. An American classic by a playwright with Wisconsin roots, as Wilder was a Madison native. He won three Pulitzer Prizes in his lifetime, including one for Our Town Previews begin June 23 in the Hill Theater.

• Once Upon a Bridge by Sonya Kelly. A two-hander that explores what it means when life changes on a dime. How will the characters react? Previews begin June 29 in the Touchstone.

The Royale by Marco Ramirez. Memorable for its past production in the Milwaukee Rep’s Stiemke Studio, The Royale traces the life of a famous Black boxer in what has been called a “sports thriller.” Previews begin June 22.

American Players Theatre Photo: Marcus Truschinski, Ronald Román-Meléndez, Jamal James & Nate Burger, Love's Labour's Lost, 2022.

Photo by Hannah Jo Anderson. Courtesy of American Players Theatre. Summer Illustrations by Ali Bachmann.

JULY

All of the shows listed above.

AUGUST

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare. One of the most famous love stories of all time, albeit with tragic consequences. But this will be unlike anything seen before at APT, as hearing actors will integrate with hearing-impaired actors. Words will be spoken at every performance (with the exception of a few shows designated as American Sign Language perfor-

mances). Electronic tablets that contain captions in real-time will be available for hearing-impaired guests. Previews begin August 11 in the Hill Theater.

• Anton’s Shorts adapted from the plays of Anton Chekhov. Five stories present different takes on the spectrum of human emotions and foibles. Performed by nine regulars that APT audiences have grown to love over the seasons. Previews begin August 4 in the Hill Theater.

Mala by Melinda Lopez. A one-woman show that takes the audience through a journey of discovery. Previews begin August 12 in the Touchstone Theater.

SEPTEMBER

Continuing performances: Romeo & Juliet, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Royale, Anton’s Shorts, Mala, The Liar, Our Town, Once Upon a Bridge.

OCTOBER

• Proof by David Auburn. A riveting spellbinder that won a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play. The 2005 film featured Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins and Jake Gyllenhaal. Previews begin October 26 in the Touchstone Theater.

• Continuing performances: Romeo & Juliet, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Once Upon a Bridge, Anton’s Shorts, Mala.

For tickets and other information call the box office at 608-588-2361 or order at americanplayers.org.

The Rivals, 2022. Photo by Liz Lauren. Courtesy of American Players Theatre.

Melisa Pereyra, The River Bride, 2022.

Photo by Liz Lauren. Courtesy of American Players Theatre.

53212 PRESENTS

53212presents.org

5 POINTS ART GALLERY 5ptsartgallery.com

ACACIA THEATRE COMPANY acaciatheatre.com

Holmes and Watson, June 9-25

In Jeffrey Hatcher’s play, Dr. Watson must choose between three men claiming to be Sherlock Holmes in the aftermath of the great detective’s reported “death” at Reichenbach Falls. TalkingBroadway.com called it “A truly smashing play full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.” (Morton Shlabotnik)

THE ALICE WILDS thealicewilds.com

ALL IN PRODUCTIONS allin-mke.com

APERI ANIMAM aperianimam.com

AQUAE NGUVU GALLERY

Art 64, June 9-10

For the second year, 64 artists from around the U.S. will come together in the Village of Wauwatosa in a headto-head competition. Attendees will watch painting come to life on the Tosa streets, select their favorites and vote online. Food and entertainment will be available throughout the tournament. (Morton Shlabotnik)

ARTS @ LARGE artsatlargeinc.org

BACH CHAMBER CHOIR bachchoirmilwaukee.com

BEL CANTO CHORUS belcanto.org

St. John’s Senior Singers, June 4, St. John’s on the Lake San Camillo Senior Singers, June 5, St. Camillo Retirement Community

BLACK ARTS MKE marcuscenter.org/ series/black-arts-mke

MKE Black Theatre Festival, Aug. 10-27

BLACK HOLOCAUST MUSEUM abhmuseum.org

BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS boernerbotanicalgardens.org

BOMBSHELL THEATRE CO. bombshelltheatre.org

BOULEVARD THEATRE milwaukeeboulevardtheatre.com

THE BOX THEATRE CO. boxtheatre.co.org

The Wizard of Oz , July 8-Aug. 13

The Wizard of Oz YPE , July 30-Aug. 2

Finding Nemo Jr. , July14-23, Oconomowoc

BRONZEVILLE ARTS ENSEMBLE facebook.com/ BronzevilleArtsEnsemble

CABARET MILWAUKEE facebook.com/cabmke

CARROLL PLAYERS carrollplayers.weebly.com

Heathers the Musical, June 16-25

CARTHAGE COLLEGE THEATRE carthage.edu/fine-arts

CATEY OTT DANCE COLLECTIVE cateyott.com

2023 MKE Fringe Fest, August 19, Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theatre

CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM cedarburtartmuseum.org

Paul Yank: His Genius Sculpture & Prints, through Sept. 24

CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER

cedarburgculturalcenter.org

Seasons of Change at the Bog: Paintings by Jeff Kunkel, through June 4

Wisconsin Watercolor Society, through June 4

CEDARBURG PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

cedarburgpac.com

CHANT CLAIRE CHAMBER CHOIR chantclaire.org

CHARLES ALLIS ART MUSEUM charlesallis.org

The Sarah Ball Allis Art Museum, through June 11

Allis Chalmers, West Allis, the Charles Allis Art Museum—the Allis name is inseparable from Milwaukee’s history. A new exhibition hopes—among other goals—to turn the spotlight on a member of that family whose role in the community has been overlooked. Through June 11, the Charles Allis Art Museum will become the Sarah Ball Allis Art Museum in an exhibit featuring 20 contemporary artists juxtaposed with the institution’s permanent collection. (David Luhrssen)

THE CONSTRUCTIVISTS theconstructivists.org

CONCORD CHAMBER ORCHESTRA concordorchestra.org

Free Summer Concert, July 12, Unity Lutheran Church

Free Summer Concert, July 26, Washington Park

Free Summer Concert, Aug. 6, Lions Legend Park

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY cuw.edu

COVERED BRIDGE ART STUDIO TOUR cedarburgartistsguild.com

DANCECIRCUS dancecircus.org

DANCEWORKS PERFORMANCE MKE danceworksmke.org

Small but Mighty, June 2-4

DAVID BARNETT GALLERY davidbarnettgallery.com

Patterns and Textiles Show, through July 15

The Splendor of Nature in Art, Capturing the Intimate to the Magnificent, July 21-Oct. 17

DEAD MAN’S CARNIVAL facebook.com/Dead-Mans-Carnival

DOOR SHAKESPEARE, BAILEY’S HARBOR doorshakespeare.com

The Old Man and the Moon, June 28-Aug. 26

As You Like It, June 28-Aug. 26

EARLY MUSIC NOW earlymusicnow.org

EX FABULA exfabula.org

The Experience: Pride, June 7, Freight 38

FALLS PATIO PLAYERS fallspatioplayers.com

Dear Edwina Jr. , June 30

FESTIVAL CITY SYMPHONY festivalcitysymphony.org

FINE ARTS QUARTET fineartsquartet.com

Bloch and Schubert, July 9, Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts

Haydn and Mendelssohn, July 13, Jewish Community Center

Schumann and Dvorak, July 16, Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts

FIRST STAGE firststage.org

FLORENTINE OPERA florentineopera.org

FORTE THEATRE COMPANY fortetheatrecompany.org

FRANK JUAREZ GALLERY fjgmke.com

FRANKLY MUSIC franklymusic.org

Fringe Fest MKE, Aug. 19, Marcus Performing Arts Center

GALLERY 218 gallery218.com

GHS DRAMATIC IMPACT gsdwi.org

GREENDALE COMMUNITY THEATRE greendaletheatre.org

The Prom, July 27-Aug. 5

GROHMANN MUSEUM msoe.edu/grohmann-museum

David Plowden: The Architecture of Agriculture, through-Aug. 20

Photographer David Plowden, age 90, lives in Winnetka, IL. “I befriended him in 2011 when we hosted an exhibition of his railroad photographs Madison,” says the Grohmann’s director James Kieselburg. “It is in knowing and befriending Plowden that one also knows that his full impact is likely yet to be felt, as we continue to lose the features of the American landscape that he so expertly and thoughtfully captured. From the rural landscape to railroads to bridges to heavy industry, he has distilled in many ways the essence of America by portraying our too often overlooked treasures—the commonplace fabric of our familiar environment—dilapidated or dismantled today.” (David Luhrssen)

GROVE GALLERY gallerygrove.com

HAGGERTY MUSEUM OF ART marquette.edu/haggerty-museum

Mary L. Nohl Fellowships for Individual Artists 2022, June 2-Aug. 6

HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM harley-davidson.com

Off-Road Harley-Davidson, continuing.

Building a Milwaukee Icon: HD’s Juneau Ave. Factory, continuing

Tsunami Motorcycle Display, continuing.

H. F. JOHNSON GALLERY OF ART carthage.edu/art-gallery

HOVER CRAFT hovercraftmke.com

HYPERLOCAL MKE hyperlocalmke.com

INSPIRATION STUDIOS ART GALLERY inspirationstudiosgallery.com

Art by Anita Burmeister, June

Kith & Kin Theatre, June

Broadway Bound Wisconsin, July

Amy Marks Group Exhibit, August

Outskirts Theatre, Dog Sees God, August

Kith & Kin Theatre, August

IRISH CULTURAL AND HERITAGE CENTER ichc.net

JAMES MAY GALLERY

JAZZ GALLERY CENTER FOR THE ARTS jazzgallerycenterforarts.org

See You/See Me, through June 3

JEWISH MUSEUM MILWAUKEE jewishmuseummilwaukee.org

Degenerate! Hitler’s War on Modern Art, through June 4

“Degenerate! Hitler’s War on Modern Art” is a well curated investigation of the forbidden visual arts of Nazi Germany. The exhibition at Jewish Museum Milwaukee derives its title from the infamous 1937 “Degenerate Art” exhibit in Munich that attempted to discredit the art Hitler hated through disinformation and appeals to populism. (David Luhrssen)

Illustration by Ali Bachmann.

JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER

jmkac.org/home.html

Arts/Industry Highlights, through Aug. 20

Andrea Chung: “if they put an iron circle around your neck I will bite it away” through Oct. 1

Chung, a San Diego-based artist, seeks to “confront the legacy and trauma of slavery from the perspective of an Afrofuturist utopia.” The artist, of Jamaican/Chinese and Trinidadian descent, acknowledges the overriding influence of slavery’s horrors in the exhibit. Despite the dark overtones, Chung sees her installation as a place of healing, one that honors midwives and celebrates birth, rather than death. (Michael Muckian)

Morehshin Allahyari: Moon-faced, through July16

KACM THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS kacmtheatrical.weebly.com

KETTLE MORAINE SYMPHONY kmsymphony.org

KOHLER MEMORIAL THEATER kohlerfoundation.org

KO-THI DANCE COMPANY ko-thi.org

LAKE ARTS PROJECT lakeartsproject.com

LAKE COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE lakecountryplayhousewi.org

Making God Laugh, June 9-11

Third, Aug. 11-13

The Crucible, Aug. 25-27

LAKEFRONT FESTIVAL OF ART mam.org

June 16-18, Milwaukee Art Museum

LATINO ARTS, INC. latinoartsinc.org

Mama Said: A Reflection on Material Figures, through June 2

The Big Idea X: A Decade of Creative Treasures, June 23-Aug. 18

LILY PAD GALLERY WEST lilypadgallery.com

LYNDEN SCULPTURE GARDEN lyndensculpturegarden.org

Milwaukee Bonsai Society 52nd Annual Exhibit, Aug. 26-27

Illustration by Ali Bachmann.

MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER marcuscenter.org

Tootsie, June 6-11

Tootsie was a hit in movie theaters back in 1982 with Dustin Hoffman as an out-of-work actor impersonating a woman in order to get a role on a daytime soap opera. Sydney Pollack’s satirical comedy was transformed for the stage with a book by Robert Horn and songs by David Yazbek. Debuting in Chicago (2018), it moved swiftly to Broadway, closing just before COVID with 293 performances. (David Luhrssen)

Ten Chimneys Presents: The MIKE Show, June 9

ABBAFAB, Aug. 27

MARN ART + CULTURE HUB marnarts.org

MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY THEATRE marquette.edu/communication/ theatre-arts.php

MASTER SINGERS OF MILWAUKEE mastersingersofmilwaukee.org

MATERIAL STUDIOS + GALLERY materialstudiosandgallery.com

MEMORIES DINNER THEATRE memoriesballroom.com

MENOMONEE FALLS SYMPHONY www.mfso.net

MIAD GALLERY AT THE AVE galleryattheave.miad.edu

From This Point Forward, through July 1

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM mam.org

Native America: In Translation, through June 25

Lakefront Festival of Art, June 16-18

Scandinavian Design and the United States, 1890-1980, through July 23

In Honor of Kevin Fahey: Selections from the Fahey/Grzebielski Collection, June 2-Oct. 1

A Very Strong Likeness of Her: Portraiture and Identity in the British Colonial World, June 23-Oct. 22

MILWAUKEE BALLET milwaukeeballet.org

MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATER milwaukeechambertheatre.org

MILWAUKEE CHILDREN'S CHOIR milwaukeechildrenschoir.org

MILWAUKEE COMEDY milwaukeecomedy.com

MILWAUKEE FESTIVAL BRASS mfbrass.org

MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART & DESIGN GALLERY miad.edu

MILWAUKEE IRISH ARTS milirisharts.wordpres.com

MILWAUKEE JAZZ INSTITUTE milwaukeejazzinstitute.org

MILWAUKEE MAKERS MARKET milwaukeemakersmarket.com

June 18, Discovery World

July 16, Discovery World

Aug. 13, Discovery World

Aug. 27, Third Ward/The Starling

MILWAUKEE MUSAIK milwaukeemusaik.org

MILWAUKEE OPERA THEATRE milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER milwaukeerep.com

MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA mso.org

Uptown Nights, June 2-4

Salon Series: Jennifer Bouton Schaub and MSO Woodwinds, June 8

Jupiter & Serenade, June 9-11

Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, June 16-17

Gustav Mahler wasn’t content with his reputation as Europe’s greatest opera conductor. He wanted to compose. His music was often received with contempt by the press and public but admiration from other composers. Haunted by the monumentality of Beethoven and Wagner, Mahler’s symphonies were dramatic, polyphonic tapestries, apocalyptic at their climactic moments. His Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection) is true to form, thematically complex, anxious but hopeful in the end. (David Luhrssen)

Joshua Bell, June 20

Marvel Studio’s Black Panther, June 23-25

Jaws , June 30-July 1

Chris Botti, July 23

MILWAUKEE YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA myso.org

MILWAUKEE YOUTH THEATRE milwaukeeyouththeatre.org

MORNING STAR PRODUCTIONS morningstarproductions.org

Revolution, June

MUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART wisconsinart.org

Breaking the Cycle: Teens on Transformation, through July 9

Working on the Bias: The Fine Art of Fiber, through July 9

MOWA | DTN (SAINT KATE-THE ARTS HOTEL)

Anna: Photography by Lidia Sharapova, through July 9

MOWA ON THE LAKE (ST. JOHN’S ON THE LAKE)

Jerry Jordan: Expressions for a New Renaissance, through Aug. 27

NEXT ACT THEATRE nextact.org

NŌ STUDIOS nostudios.com

Nō Studios Dance Fest 2023, June 24, Bayshore Mall

NORTH SHORE ACADEMY OF THE ARTS facebook.com/ northshoreacademyofthearts

NORTHERN SKY THEATER

northernskytheater.com

The Fish Whisperer, June 14-Aug. 25, Peninsula State Park

Cheeseheads: The Musical, June 15-Aug. 26, Peninsula State Park

The musical comedy by Paul Libman and Dave Hudson had its 2017 world premiere at Northern Sky and returns for another long run. It explores (“with typical Wisconsin good humor”) the dream of winning the lottery shared by workers at a Sheboygan factory in danger of shutting down. It’s been called “a touching and joyful Wisconsin musical gouda luck fable” (ouch!) (Morton Shlabotnik)

Guys on Ice, July 5-Sept. 1, Gould Theater

Guys & Does , July 15-Sept. 2, Gould Theater

OCONOMOWOC ARTS CENTER

oasd.k12.wi.us

Main Stage Academy of Dance, Cinderella: A Storybook Ballet, June 4

5678 20th Season Celebration, June 15-17

Elation Moments, June 24-25

OIL GALLERY MILWAUKEE

oilmilwaukee.com

OPTIMIST THEATRE

optimisttheatre.org

Shakespeare in the Park, Cymbeline, July 9-Aug. 13

OUTSKIRTS THEATRE facebook.com/outskirtstheatre

OVER OUR HEAD PLAYERS overourheadplayers.org

Theatre Schmeatre, June 2-10

PAINT CEDARBURG: A PLEIN AIR PAINTING EVENT cedarburgpleinair.com

June 4, Downtown Cedarburg

PENINSULA PLAYERS, DOOR COUNTY peninsulaplayers.com

A Rock Sails By, June 13-July 2

Blithe Spirit, July 5-23

Blithe Spirit was twice filmed, in 1945 by director David Lean and in 2020 by Edward Hall, but neither stands up well next to a well-staged version of Noël Coward’s comedy. The play concerns an author who invites a medium to his house to conduct a séance, hoping for material for his next novel. He has more material than he bargained for when the medium contacts the vengeful ghost of his first wife. (David Luhrssen)

Dames at Sea, July 26-Aug. 13

Trying, Aug. 16-Sept. 3

PIANOARTS pianoarts.org

PORTRAIT SOCIETY GALLERY portraitsocietygallery.com

PRESENT MUSIC presentmusic.org

Birds of a Feather, May 31-June 1, Jan Serr Studio

Gabriel Kahane has been compared to Rufus Wainwright and Sufjan Stevens and has collaborated with both. But he’s no ordinary singer-songwriter. He also wrote a piano concerto for classical pianist Natasha Paremski, was commissioned by Kronos Quartet for a string quartet and the Los Angeles Philharmonic for a large chamber work. Kahane will perform his new album Magnificent Bird in concert with Milwaukee’s Present Music ensemble.

QUASIMONDO PHYSICAL THEATRE quasimondo.org

RACINE ART MUSEUM ramart.org

RAM Showcase: Focus on Glass, through May 27

Gathering Voices at RAM: 25 Years of Building America’s Largest Contemporary Craft Collection, through July 15

Vignettes: Focus on RAM’s Collection, through Aug. 19

Women and the WPA: As Seen Through RAM’s Collection, through Sept. 16

Front Back: Exploring Contemporary Art Jewelry Design, through Sept. 23

RAM Showcase: Four Jewelers and the Artists of Color, hrough Jan. 13, 2024

RACINE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA racinesymphony.org

RACINE THEATRE GUILD racinetheatre.org

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, through-June 4

Sweeney Todd began as a gory 19th century British melodrama of a serial killer on the loose. Director Tim Burton turned it into a 2007 film starring Johnny Depp in the title role. However, the tale will probably live on longest in Stephen Sondheim’s musical. In searching for a musical language appropriate for the material, Sondheim remembered a scary movie of fog-bound London from his youth, Hangover Square, with music by Bernard Herrmann. Sondheim composed Sweeney Todd with unresolved dissonances, leaving the audience in suspense. (David Luhrssen)

Rent, July 14-23

REAL TINSEL GALLERY realtinsel.com

RENAISSANCE THEATERWORKS r-t-w.com

SACRA NOVA CHORALE sacranovacathedrale.com

Rejoice, The Lord is King!, June 4, All Saints Episcopal Cathedral

Illustration by Ali Bachmann.

SAINT KATE - THE ARTS HOTEL saintkatearts.com

Intimate Gestures: Drawing on Desire by Yuna Kim, through June 30 (The Closet)

Relief: The Stories We Carry by Bela Suresh Roongta, through July 2 (Gallery)

Still Life by Jaymee Harvey, through Aug. 6 (The Vitrine)

Magic Hour: Intersections of Contemporary Film and Fiber Art, through Sept.11 (The Space)

SEAT OF OUR PANTS READER THEATRE mkereaderstheatre.com

SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS wilson-center.com

Starry Nights, July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug. 4, 11

SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE skylightmusictheatre.org

SuperYou, through June 18

One of the best ways to kick-off this summer in Milwaukee is a high-energy night of rock music, empowered women, poignant lyricism and superheroines. The Skylight Music Theatre’s SuperYou is an uplifting story presented by a team of talented women that will leave audiences inspired and ready to rock out.

(Elizabeth Lintonen)

SOUTH MILWAUKEE

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER southmilwaukeepac.org

Danceworks, June 10

South Milwaukee Youth Theater, Peter Pan Jr. , July 15

South Milwaukee Youth Theater, Little Mermaid Jr. , July 28-30

SUNSET PLAYHOUSE sunsetplayhouse.com

Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web, June 1-18

It’s My Party! ‘50s & ‘60s Singalong, June 8-11

Dancing in the Streets: Motown & Soul, June 25

Summer Stars Broadway Cabaret, July 9

The Little Mermaid, July 13-Aug. 6

The Little Mermaid Jr. , Aug. 11-13

SUNSTONE STUDIOS sunstonestudios.mke

THEATRE GIGANTE theatregigante.org

THEATRICAL TENDENCIES theatricaltendencies.com

THIRD AVENUE PLAYHOUSE, STURGEON BAY thirdavenueplayworks.org

Daddy Long Legs , June 21-July 9

Boeing-Boeing, Aug. 2-27

THRASHER OPERA HOUSE, GREEN LAKE thrasheroperahouse.com

Green Lake Festival of Music, June 8

Missoula Children’s Theatre, Beauty Lou and the Country Beast, June 24

Scott Kirby, June 29

Cedar Ridge Sessions, July 27

TORY FOLLIARD GALLERY toryfolliard.com

Michael Hedges: New Paintings, June 2-July 8

UW-PARKSIDE THEATRE uwp.edu/the rita theatreperformances.cfm

UW-MILWAUKEE PECK SCHOOL OF THE ARTS uwm.edu/arts/events

UpStart: Dance MFA Concert, July 21, Mitchell Hall

University Community Orchestra, July 28, Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts

UWM UNION ART GALLERY agallery@studentinvolvement.uwm.edu

UW-WHITEWATER CROSSMAN GALLERY uww.edu

UW-WHITEWATER THEATRE uww.edu

VAR GALLERY & STUDIOS vargallery.com

Stuart, the Earth, June 1

Prez Harris with Forever, June 2

Wildered album release show, June 23

Hildur Hogland, July 27

KELS with Allison Mahal, Aug. 10

VILLA TERRACE DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM villaterrace.org

Mestiere Biennale, through Aug. 13

“Mestiere” is Italian and translates roughly as craft or skilled handiwork. Phoenix Brown, senior curator at Villa Terrace, explains that the museum’s new exhibition of contemporary Wisconsin artists, “Mestiere Biennale,” was prompted by the recent “renaissance in craft and decorative art.” Villa Terrace’s Executive Director Jaymee Harvey Willms adds that the rebirth is “a human reaction—the antithesis of the internet.” (David Luhrssen)

VILLAGE PLAYHOUSE villageplayhouse.org

VOICES FOUND voicesfoundrep.com

WALKER'S POINT CENTER FOR THE ARTS wpca-milwaukee.org

WAREHOUSE ART MUSEUM wammke.org

Objects of Substance, through July 22

“Objects of Substance” is as a cross-section of present-day, high-end handmade work in many media from across the world. The growing interest in craft, with a proliferation of makers markets and the popularity of Etsy, can be seen as pushback against the Digital Age not unlike William Morris’ challenge to the Age of Industry. “Objects of Substance” makes an argument in the ongoing discussion over where art ends and craft begins. “There’s good art and bad art. A good glass vase is as good as any monumental painting. We make no distinction,” co-director John Shannon says. “A slipshod painting and a slipshod vase are equally bad.” (David Luhrssen)

WATER STREET DANCE MILWAUKEE waterstreetdancemke.com

Revel V. 3, June 17, The Studio, Cedarburg

Illuminate, June 23-24, Broadway Theatre Center

Water on Water, Aug. 2, The Studio, Cedarburg

Solstice V, Aug. 4, The Studio, Cedarburg

WAUKESHA CIVIC THEATRE waukeshacivictheatre.org

Bloom, June 2-18

Greetings from Green Lake, June 14-15

The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition, July 21-30

Fleeing Artists Theatre, A Raisin in the Sun, Aug. 18-20

Civic Broadway Singers, Aug. 23

WEST ALLIS PLAYERS westallisplayers.org

WEST BEND THEATRE COMPANY westbendtheatreco.com

WEST PERFORMING ARTS CENTER nbexcellence.org/ community/westpac.cfm

Aladdin Jr. , July 28

WILD SPACE DANCE COMPANY wildspacedance.org

WINDFALL THEATRE windfalltheatre.com

WISCONSIN CENTER wisconsincenter.com

WISCONSIN CRAFT wisconsincraft.org

Morning Glory Art Fair, Aug. 12, Deer District

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE CENTER FOR ARTS AND PERFORMANCE wlc.edu

WISCONSIN MUSEUM OF QUILTS & FIBER ART wiquiltmuseum.com

Akiko Ike: Boro Chiku-Chiku, through Aug. 27

A renowned textile artist, teacher, and gallery owner from Japan, Akiko Ike has exhibited her signature style internationally, including throughout Japan, in France, Australia, and in 2019 in a group exhibition at Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Art. (Morton Shlabotnik)

WISCONSIN PHILHARMONIC wisphil.org

Starry Nights, July 7

WOODLAND PATTERN BOOK CENTER woodlandpattern.org

WUSTUM MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS ramart.org

Explore Architectural Gems on the Historic Concordia Home Tour

BY SHEILA JULSON

About a dozen historic homes in Milwaukee’s Concordia neighborhood will be featured during the 34th annual Historic Concordia Neighborhood Tour on Saturday, June 17. The event includes walking and trolley tours, along with food and refreshments, a beer tasting garden, a pie and cake social, entertainment, a silent auction and a talk by guest speaker Bobby Tanzilo, writer of OnMilwaukee. com’s Urban Spelunking features.

The Concordia neighborhood, defined as west of 27th Street to 35th Street,

and north of Wisconsin Avenue to Highland Boulevard, features many Victorian-era mansions constructed by some of Milwaukee’s notable families. Houses where Daniel Hoan, Milwaukee’s mayor from 1916–1940, Fredrick Pabst, Jr., and Dr. Robert Faries, one of Wisconsin’s first dentists, once resided still stand.

The houses on the tour are well over 100 years old, says Marcin Selm, chairperson for the Historic Concordia Neighborhood Tour. “That make us very unique in a sense in that it’s a high

concentration of old houses.” While some classic structures in the area have not been as well maintained as others, Selm notes that over the last 30 years, owners have rehabbed and enhanced many of the houses to their near-original state.

This year’s theme is Stewards of History, which Selm says will drive the narrative of the tour by focusing on the diversity and cultural wealth of the neighborhood—its people.

A SNEAK PEEK INTO HISTORY

The properties featured on this year’s tour include the Faries-Wood tower house, 3011 W. State St. The house was the home of Faries and serves as the logo for the Historic Concordia Neighbors Inc. association. A brick house located at 3033 W. Kilbourn Ave., which was built in 1890, will be featured. A house at 839 N. 29 St. might go unnoticed by passers-by, Selm observes, but the interior is remarkable. “That one is a hidden gem and has never been on the tour,” Selm says.

The house at 2836 W. State Street has not been featured on the tour for many years, but Selm says it was recently overhauled by the owners and will return this year. The home at 3112 W. Kilbourn Ave. will host the beer tasting garden. More houses were still being confirmed at press time. Selm says tour organizers try to feature different houses each year. They divide the neighborhood into sections and concentrate the tour in one area each year so it’s more convenient for pedestrians.

The Walking Tour begins at Greater Utopian Pentecostal Church, 2925 W. State St. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and are available through HCNI.org/Home-Tour, or $25 on the day of the tour at Greater Utopian Pentecostal Church.

A new addition this year is the Historic Neighborhood Trolley Tour, which features a guided tour through the streets of the Historic Concordia Neighborhood. Attendees will learn historical information, along with revitalization efforts currently underway.

The trolley tour starts and finishes at the Schlitz Mansion, 2004 W. Highland Boulevard. Five departures are scheduled throughout the day at10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 12:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. The guided trolley tour is $50 and includes a tour of the Schlitz Mansion, a casual garden reception with refreshments, and neighborhood stories presented by Ex Fabula. Space is limited; reservations are required.

After virtual-only tours in 2020 and 2021, and an in-person “tour lite” last year, Selm is excited to again see the tour return to its full capacity. (Face coverings and protective gear will be supplied for this year’s tour for those that want them.)

“Visitors can see a part of history and learn something new,” Selm concludes. For more information, visit hcni.org.

Sheila Julson is a Milwaukee writer and regular contributor to shepherdexpress.com.

3011 W STATE

3033 W KILBOURN

3112 W KILBOURN

2004 W HIGHLAND

Photo courtesy Historic Concordia Neighbors.

All architectural photos Scott Witte Tour de Force 360VR.

JUNE 8

Mark Guarino in conversation with Paul Cebar Boswell Book Company

Milwaukee music lovers unite for a rockin’ literary evening on the East Side. The best way to kick off this summer is a conversation with Mark Guarino, author of Country & Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival, which reveals the role of Chicago in the rise of country and folk music, alongside Milwaukee musician Paul Cebar at 6:30 p.m.

JUNE 9

Rose of the West, Lila Realm, DJ Katie Rose Cactus Club

June 9 will mark a return to Milwaukee for indie pop band Rose of the West, as well as the release of a new album, No Things Permanent. The band has not put out music over the course of the past four years, though their 2019 debut was met with much acclaim and local radio airplay. Joining the night will be Lila Realm, a new iteration of Amanda Huff’s solo material, and Katie Rose spinning records in between sets.

JUNE 10

Rap J Shank Hall

Rap J is an artist that has been creating music in Milwaukee for 19 years, although never for a crowd. Born with cerebral palsy, the artist began rapping at the age of six, and has used music as a way to show people that you can overcome any obstacles in your way. While June 10 should be an uplifting night, Rap J is no slouch when it comes to the bars, either. Expect a night of music that nods back to a previous era in the genre where lyricism was paramount.

This Month in Milwaukee 9 THINGS TO DO IN JUNE

BY ALLEN HALAS, ELIZABETH LINTONEN, DAVID LUHRSSEN AND BLAINE SCHULTZ

JUNE 11

Locust Street Festival of Music & Art

In 1976 after much discussion and debate the neighbors in Riverwest threw a party to celebrate the decision that Locust Street would not be widened. On hiatus since 2019, Locust Street Festival of Music & Art celebrates the heart of one of Milwaukee’s most vibrant neighborhoods—from Humboldt to Holton. Highlights include the Riverwest Beer Run, art and six outdoor stages of music—plus a second indoor stage at Linneman’s—with sounds ranging from DJs, to Latin jazz to bluegrass to make for a great day.

JUNE 13

The Flaming Lips

Riverside Theater

“Do You Realize” that The Flaming Lips have been entertaining crowds with their combination of sonic and visual psychedelia for the better part of three and a half decades? Their seminal album, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, turned 20 last year, and a tour honoring the record comes to Milwaukee on June 13. The band have no shortage of production tricks up their sleeve, and it helps that they’ve also been on top of their game musically since the record’s initial release. Celebrate an indie rock masterpiece at Riverside Theater this month.

JUNE 15

Meshell Ndegeocello u

Turner Hall Ballroom

The next chapter of multi-instrumentalist Meshell Ndegeocello’s story begins with her new album The Omnichord Real Book which gets released the day after this show. From the new album the track “Vuma” recalls the sonic experiments of Brian Eno and David Byrne; “Virgo” is harder to describe—dreamy, anxious and chill. Over a musically restless career, Ndegeocello has collaborated with Marc Ribot, Chaka Khan and John Mellencamp.

JUNE 17

Art Hop

53212 Zip Code

Art Hop combines a gallery night experience with a maker’s market. Over 100 artists and makers will be scattered throughout the 53212 zip code from 2-7 p.m. at participating businesses, galleries and breweries. Attendees will be able to travel between locations by foot or bike along the Beerline Trail or by shuttles provided by the Riverwest Brewery Syndicate. For more information, visit arthoopmke.com.

JUNE 17

Milwaukee Hardcore Summer Jam Vol. 2 q

X-Ray Arcade

Cudahy’s X-Ray Arcade has become a haven for the heavier end of the musical spectrum, and a whopping 14 bands will take over the venue June 17 for Milwaukee Hardcore’s second Summer Jam. The event will bring together bands from throughout the Midwest, including Milwaukee’s own Enervate, World I Hate, Infamy, Mind Harvester, Peroxide, Primrose and Futile Act. The full-day affair also features Wyoming band Zero Function, who are currently on tour and the farthest travelling act.

JUNE 19

Juneteenth Day

On June 19, 1865, the enslaved people of Texas, one of the final strongholds of the Confederacy, were emancipated Juneteenth was marked by Black Texans and their descendants as they migrated across the U.S. and spread through the ‘60s civil rights movement. Milwaukee was among the first cities to host a public celebration, decades before Juneteenth became a federal holiday. The parade winds from 14th and Atkinson to MLK and Locust and the street fair features food and music.

Beach photo by AntonioSolano/Getty Images.

Compassion Heals Our Hearts Compassion Heals Our Hearts

BY PHILIP CHARD

Far too often, we are reminded that our world is not always a compassionate place. You don’t have to consume much news to recognize there are endless accounts of humans treating their brethren badly, and most of us have been both victims and perpetrators of disrespectful, indifferent or even cruel interactions. It can be nasty out there, and too often is.

Granted, there are many instances in which people behave kindly. Rarely do these capture the attention of most media, as little kindnesses don’t seem to rivet our attention the way indignity, injustice and brutality do. But, occasionally, just when humanity seems a hopelessly flawed experiment in evolutionary biology, the better angels that inhabit our nature appear. Consider this case in point.

In his early 60s, my older brother became the victim of early onset dementia caused by a series of closed-head injuries, a cognitive condition that rendered him incapable of managing his own affairs. His was a tough life characterized by chronic medical and neurological problems, including a brain tumor at age 10, post-surgical issues with balance and vision, and deafness that began in his late 20s. Despite his disabilities, he earned a PhD from UC Berkeley, an MBA from the University of Minnesota, and did a stint in Africa with the Peace Corps. What’s more, he became an avid runner, competing in several prestigious marathons. So, after all he overcame, it seemed intensely cruel that the one strong attribute he retained—his intellect—would fall victim to life’s slings and arrows.

TAKING AUTONOMY AWAY

Sadly, the day came when I shuffled with him into a courtroom where the powers that be would declare him “mentally incompetent” and assign a legal guardian to manage his affairs. It was a stunningly deflating event, one in which the legal system would proclaim, as a matter of public record, that he was no longer the master of his own person and faculties, let alone his destiny. When someone’s autonomy is taken away, they forfeit a vital part of their humanity.

Sitting next to my brother, watching him straining to follow the proceedings with the aid of a sign language interpreter, I felt a cold anger grip my soul. Every rationalizing platitude that ever inhabited my psyche with “there-there” reassurance was mentally ordered to sit down and shut the hell up. My brother’s situation was wretched and brazenly unfair. Fate dealt him a bad hand, one stacked against him in a way he could not transcend. Nothing good, I told myself, would ever rise from the ashes of this poor man’s burnedout life.

When the court testimony by various experts and their recommendations concluded, the judge was ready to issue forth. I took a deep breath and waited for that terse, cold proclamation that our dispassionate legal system so often renders. The declaration of mental incompetence came, as expected, but not in the manner I anticipated.

“Mr. Chard,” the judge began, looking at my brother, “I see that you have a PhD and an MBA, that you served in the Peace Corps, and traveled the world. You circumnavigated the globe by hitching rides on ocean-going freighters, and you speak three languages fluently.”

My brother nodded and smiled slightly. The judge put down his papers and looked him in the eyes, his face warm and kind but without pity.

“You have accomplished a great deal in your life, sir,” he stated. “You have much to be proud of. You have my deepest respect.”

In that moment, I realized there really is grace and mercy in our lives, but it doesn’t come from systems, rules or the harsh realities of existence. It comes from us, from the human heart filled with compassion. As Mother Teresa said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten we belong to each other.”

“Commit random acts of kindness,” the bumper stickers proclaim. That’s about all that stands between us and that often cold, cruel world out there. And, for my brother and his family, during that brief interlude in the courtroom, kindness won the day.

Philip Chard is a psychotherapist and author with a focus on lasting behavior change, emotional healing and adaptation to health challenges. For more, visit philipchard.com.

I’m Art Kumbalek and man oh manischewitz what a world, ain’a?

So listen, here we be into the month of June, fresh of the occasional “merry” month of May, which also means we’re now into that time of year where my two most favorite words are “cold front” as pronounced by our TV weather guys and gals, I kid you not. I’ll tell you’s, these next couple, three summertime months during which a guy can’t even blow his nose without some fockstick wanting to put on an outdoors festival about it, do definitely not comprise my favorite time of year, no sir.

Hey, forget about it. On those days that could even make Satan suffer (in my book, anything above a nice 73 degrees), I suppose I could echo the party line and agree that “it’s not the heat; it’s the humidity.” But I won’t. Because it is the heat. And it’s the stupidity, of you’s who spent the quiet winter months indoors in climate-controlled comfort whilst all-the-time longing to feel like a focking pig hoist on a spit and rotated over a steam-furnace flame come the summer, what the fock.

So, as I was saying, it’s June, that time of year for young ladies to become new brides; and their boyfriends to become new grooms, whether they like it or not. And so June, as the years pass, does become the month for anniversaries, the remembrance pleasant, or bittersweet, as in this little story:

So this guy goes to the Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he has been living with for the past 40 years.

The Wizard says, “Perhaps, but you will have to tell me the exact words that you believe were used to put the curse on you.” And without hesitation, the man says, “I now pronounce you man and wife.” Ba-ding!

Or this one:

A doctor at a health conference said, “The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks corrode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High-fat diets can be destructive, and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all. Can anyone tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?”

After a period of silence, an elderly man in the front row raised his hand and softly said, “Wedding cake.” Ba-ding!

And let’s not forget that June also brings us Father’s Day, and here’s an idea for what you’s ought to do come Father’s Day if you’re too focking cheap to spring for a cheap-ass gift for the old fart. How ’bout you make a nice homemade card to send. I even got a nice sentiment you can write down in it. It’s a quote from no finer writer there ever be than dear Mr. William Butler Yeats from near Dublin, who will celebrate his 158th birthday, June 13, as best he can:

I have certainly known more men destroyed by the desire to have a wife and child and to keep them in comfort than I have seen destroyed by drink and harlots.

A-focking-men. Happy Father’s Day. And if that doesn’t cheer dad up, then tell him the following little story on the phone when you call him to say you can’t drop by on the Sunday ’cause you got more important things to do:

So this foursome of guys are on the first tee. As the fourth guy is smack in the middle of his backswing, a funeral procession passes by on the road that runs alongside the tee. The guy drops his club, takes off his golf cap and places it over his heart until the line of cars recedes from sight.

The other three guys can’t believe it and are beside themselves in awe and admiration. After the round was over, one of them says to Mr. Respect-forthe-Dead, “Jeez louise, Hank, that was an honorable thing you did back there on the first tee.” Hank says, “You mean when the funeral passed by? Thanks, but I figured it was the least I could do. After all, I was married to her for 42 years.” Ba-ding!

And as for me, yes, then, of father, of son, this time of year, I’ll be seeing you, as the song goes, in all the old familiar places, in every lovely summer’s day; I remember you, ’cause I’m Art Kumbalek, and I told you so.

Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton/Getty